A small addition on a house presented an opportunity to update the exterior and to bring the house up to compliance with the Wildland Urban Interface fire safe code.

Distant view of house on the 60% steep hillside. The siding is very attractive (and fire resistant, too) The house exterior meets the fire requirements for Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) requirements for fire resistant construction. House appearance described as California modern, California Coastal, or California Contemporary, San Francisco modern, Bay Area or South Bay residential design, with Sustainability and green design.

Client: Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) Brief: To supply & install Interface carpet tiles to DWP premises
Inspiration for a contemporary entryway remodel in London

Dramatic view of downhill side of home showing the cantilevered decks and rooms. House appearance described as California modern, California Coastal, or California Contemporary, San Francisco modern, Bay Area or South Bay residential design, with Sustainability and green design. The house exterior meets the fire requirements for Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) requirements for fire resistant construction.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.

Photo of a modern landscaping in Denver.

Computer Renderings of two homes located in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California. Best described as California modern, California Coastal, or California Contemporary, Los Angeles modern, West Hollywood modern residential design, Holmby Hills residential design, Sustainability and green design. The house exteriors meet the fire requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) requirements for fire resistant construction.

A small addition on a house presented an opportunity to update the exterior and to bring the house up to compliance with the Wildland Urban Interface fire safe code.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.

Photography by William Psolka, psolka-photo.com
Bedroom - mid-sized modern master carpeted bedroom idea in Newark with white walls and no fireplace

Bar area of a media room configuration with (3) custom installed TV's in walnut surrounds. Each of the bar TV's images can be immediately 'sent' to the larger TV in the front of the room - with the simple touch of a button via a user remote, touch screen interface, or iOS / Android app. Additionally, lights and shades are controlled from the user interfaces as well.

Hayden Estate Spa: The DTV Digital Command Center & Total Hydrotherapy This close-up perspective dives into the high-tech core of the en-suite’s 18-head steam suite. This view demonstrates the sophisticated integration required to pull off a private, residential spa. By utilizing a central Kohler DTV digital command center, we provided the homeowner with total, computerized control over their hydrotherapy, steam, and environmental settings in one seamless, wall-mounted interface. Advanced Technical & Design Specs: DTV Digital Interface: This wall-mounted, computerized controller is the hub of the entire system. It orchestrates water temperature, flow, steam duration, integrated lighting, and the Bluetooth Polk Audio soundscape, all from a user-friendly digital display. 18-Outlet Command Matrix: The system manages an expansive array of 18 total water sources, including the visible column of high-pressure wall-mounted massaging body sprayers. Note the precision vertical alignment, engineered to provide a customizable full-body massage. Racing-Grade Steam Suite: This view highlights the steam-tight glass enclosure, essential for maintaining the custom "racing-grade" steam generator's efficiency. The deep, radius-cornered LED-lit shampoo niche adds functionality while proving that technical spaces don’t sacrifice artisan finish. Integrated Precision Lighting: The subtle linear LED lighting in the recessed niche and the computerized ambient light settings controlled by the DTV panel ensure the perfect atmosphere, from an energizing morning shower to a relaxing evening steam. Material Integrity: The large-format Italian porcelain tile flows directly into the shower floor over the thermostat-controlled radiant heating system, providing a "cold-spot-free" transition into the hydrotherapy zone.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.

View of downhill side of home, showing the cantilevered decks and rooms. House appearance described as California modern, California Coastal, or California Contemporary, San Francisco modern, Bay Area or South Bay residential design, with Sustainability and green design. The house exterior meets the fire requirements for Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) requirements for fire resistant construction.

The house exteriors meet the fire requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) requirements for fire resistant construction.
Home design - modern home design idea in San Francisco

Photography by William Psolka, psolka-photo.com
Home design - mid-sized modern home design idea in Newark

A small addition on a house presented an opportunity to update the exterior and to bring the house up to compliance with the Wildland Urban Interface fire safe code.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits. Click here for a virtual tour.

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.