Search results for "Increased rates" in Home Design Ideas

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

The Canyon™ ST310 is the perfect stove to heat larger homes, with the ability to warm up to 3,500 square feet with burn times of 7–12 hours. It offers the functional advantage of a multi-level top while providing greater radiant surface area for heat output and two cooktop surfaces. To add your distinctive style, the Canyon can be customized with door, trim, and blower options for a perfect, personalized appearance.
Aesthetics
Unique, integral airwash system keeps the glass clean and clear for a wide-open view of the fire.
Constructed from premium materials, like heavy-gauge stainless steel, for dependable performance and striking appearance.
Comfort
Ceramic-fiber blanket utilizes technology developed by NASA that has 10 times the insulation value of firebrick, radiating heat back into the firebox, creating higher efficiencies and cleaner gas.
Uniquely designed refractory baffle assists the ignition of fuel-rich gases, increasing efficiency and reducing emissions.
Stainless steel afterburner tubes mix oxygen with unburned gases and smoke to create a secondary burn, lowering fuel costs.
Heavy-duty door contains no nuts or washers, forming a 360° seal for long-lasting durability.
EPA Phase II-certified for clean and efficient operation.
Ease of Operation
Singular draft control for simple operation and burn rate adjustment.
Design Versatility
Five unique door finishes and a choice of glass styling options.
Pedestal or leg choices provide customization for personalized styling preference.
*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.
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Paige Pennington
Kitchen pantry - large contemporary porcelain tile kitchen pantry idea in Kansas City with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances
Kitchen pantry - large contemporary porcelain tile kitchen pantry idea in Kansas City with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances

This lovely little modern farmhouse is located at the base of the foothills in one of Boulder’s most prized neighborhoods. Tucked onto a challenging narrow lot, this inviting and sustainably designed 2400 sf., 4 bedroom home lives much larger than its compact form. The open floor plan and vaulted ceilings of the Great room, kitchen and dining room lead to a beautiful covered back patio and lush, private back yard. These rooms are flooded with natural light and blend a warm Colorado material palette and heavy timber accents with a modern sensibility. A lyrical open-riser steel and wood stair floats above the baby grand in the center of the home and takes you to three bedrooms on the second floor. The Master has a covered balcony with exposed beamwork & warm Beetle-kill pine soffits, framing their million-dollar view of the Flatirons.
Its simple and familiar style is a modern twist on a classic farmhouse vernacular. The stone, Hardie board siding and standing seam metal roofing create a resilient and low-maintenance shell. The alley-loaded home has a solar-panel covered garage that was custom designed for the family’s active & athletic lifestyle (aka “lots of toys”). The front yard is a local food & water-wise Master-class, with beautiful rain-chains delivering roof run-off straight to the family garden.

A small pinhole in the coupling of the hot water supply line from the Hot Water Heater developed and began leaking and spraying hot steamy mist. Because of its location in the seldom used Finished Full Basement, it initially went unnoticed.
By the time the homeowners noticed the leaking water, the moisture content in the ceiling sheetrock and well down the walls read 100%. The moist, warm environment proved to be ideal for colonies of mold spores to spread throughout the basement, aided by the HVAC systems return and supply lines circulating the mold spores. It didn’t take long before mold patches eventually covered all of the exposed materials and surfaces, furniture included.
The homeowners’ had protection from their insurance policy and were able to have repairs done after this unfortunate disaster.
Construction ensued. The ceiling, floors, and all of the interior and exterior walls were stripped down to the wood framing and masonry and disposed of. The 1st and 2nd Floor HVAC Ductwork was removed, and the entire existing Full Bath was gutted.
The remodeling included increasing the size of the full bath and removing the shower/tub as well as installing a large and comfortable tile shower. We added a small towel closet, and a separate entry into the adjoining room, which would now be reconfigured into a bedroom. A new EPA Water Sense-rated commode, a vanity cabinet with a natural granite countertop and an under-mount sink, a wall-hung mirror, and new sconce lights rounded out the update.
We turned the adjoining room next to the full bath into a bedroom. We added generous closet storage space and new lighting.
We finally turned our attention to the old kitchenette / wet bar. We took away some of the footprint to add to the full bath and designed an efficient and handsome wet bar / kitchenette.
Porcelain tile, no VOC interior paints, a complete replacement of the basement and 1st Floor HVAC ducting, air handler equipment cleaning, and green-certified carpet and pad combined to create a healthy and light-filled living environment.

A small pinhole in the coupling of the hot water supply line from the Hot Water Heater developed and began leaking and spraying hot steamy mist. Because of its location in the seldom used Finished Full Basement, it initially went unnoticed.
By the time the homeowners noticed the leaking water, the moisture content in the ceiling sheetrock and well down the walls read 100%. The moist, warm environment proved to be ideal for colonies of mold spores to spread throughout the basement, aided by the HVAC systems return and supply lines circulating the mold spores. It didn’t take long before mold patches eventually covered all of the exposed materials and surfaces, furniture included.
The homeowners’ had protection from their insurance policy and were able to have repairs done after this unfortunate disaster.
Construction ensued. The ceiling, floors, and all of the interior and exterior walls were stripped down to the wood framing and masonry and disposed of. The 1st and 2nd Floor HVAC Ductwork was removed, and the entire existing Full Bath was gutted.
The remodeling included increasing the size of the full bath and removing the shower/tub as well as installing a large and comfortable tile shower. We added a small towel closet, and a separate entry into the adjoining room, which would now be reconfigured into a bedroom. A new EPA Water Sense-rated commode, a vanity cabinet with a natural granite countertop and an under-mount sink, a wall-hung mirror, and new sconce lights rounded out the update.
We turned the adjoining room next to the full bath into a bedroom. We added generous closet storage space and new lighting.
We finally turned our attention to the old kitchenette / wet bar. We took away some of the footprint to add to the full bath and designed an efficient and handsome wet bar / kitchenette.
Porcelain tile, no VOC interior paints, a complete replacement of the basement and 1st Floor HVAC ducting, air handler equipment cleaning, and green-certified carpet and pad combined to create a healthy and light-filled living environment.

SpaceCrafting
Mid-sized mountain style medium tone wood floor and gray floor sunroom photo in Minneapolis with a standard fireplace, a standard ceiling and a stone fireplace
Mid-sized mountain style medium tone wood floor and gray floor sunroom photo in Minneapolis with a standard fireplace, a standard ceiling and a stone fireplace

Wood slat elements provide shading from the sun, and the window system is thermally broken; both features work to increase energy efficiency. Wildfire mitigation strategies, crucial for this region, are applied, including landscaping kept away from the house and a 1-hour fire rating construction for the entire building.

A uniform and cohesive look adds simplicity to the overall aesthetic, supporting the minimalist design. 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.

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.

Example of a transitional l-shaped brown floor kitchen design in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white countertops

Garden Tour: A grove of Desert Museum palo verde trees
Design ideas for a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.
Design ideas for a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

Stylish and sensible, the Montlake™ 230 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™), a cast iron heat exchanger system that maximizes heat output to quickly deliver warmth to your living space. And with features like the Montlake's 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.
Optional 150-CFM variable-speed blower quickly moves heat from the stove into your room.
EPA-certified and Washington State-approved for clean and efficient operation.
Ease of Operation
One-touch control ensures easy operation and comfort.
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.
*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.

Hartley Hill Design
When our clients moved into their already built home they decided to live in it for a while before making any changes. Once they were settled they decided to hire us as their interior designers to renovate and redesign various spaces of their home. As they selected the spaces to be renovated they expressed a strong need for storage and customization. They allowed us to design every detail as well as oversee the entire construction process directing our team of skilled craftsmen. The home is a traditional home so it was important for us to retain some of the traditional elements while incorporating our clients style preferences.
Custom designed by Hartley and Hill Design.
All materials and furnishings in this space are available through Hartley and Hill Design. www.hartleyandhilldesign.com
888-639-0639
Neil Landino Photography

An under used whirlpool tub and inefficient layout were rectified by removing the tub and outdated glass block shower to create a generous walk-in shower area and dual vanity with built ins for storage. Woods and textured materials add warmth and sophistication to the space.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard deck remodel in Richmond with a fire pit
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