Its Systems - Photos & Ideas

Costa Mesa Orange County Modern Custom Bar Wine Cellar Wine Room Glass Metal

This gorgeous custom home bar and wine cellar combination resides in sunny Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. The beauty and uniqueness of this project reminds us of a restaurant - sleek and clean, and dressed to the nines with one of a kind display features. The wine cellar holds over 500 bottles horizontally in triple deep black metal wine racking from floor to ceiling. Coupled with the clean lines of a dark stainless steel and glass enclosure makes a truly stunning addition to this home and entertainment area. Small glass wine cellar design can be tricky. The design build team at Vintage Cellars ensures to work closely with all of its clients to bring their dreams to reality, all the while bringing our thoughts and ideas to the table to maximize storage capacity, design features, and expert construction understanding. The wine cellar cooling system in this wine vault / wine room / wine cellar is ducted into the space. Recessing the cooling unit allows for maximizing the space for wine bottle storage, as well as removing a potentially large eye sore. We love this space for its highly refined look. The combination of dark wood, dark metal, and glass in the wine cellar - the natural wood flooring and ceiling accents, the simple and elegant custom bar and custom lighting - it all comes together beautifully and naturally in a way that makes us just say - WOW! This area in Orange County is surrounded by cities such as Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Emerald Bay, Crystal Cove, Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Lake Forest, Coto De Caza, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Balboa Island, Big Canyon, Shady Canyon. With so many different kinds of wine racks / wine racking / wine cellar designs and styles, you can really go in any and every direction in the discovery and design phase of a custom wine cellar project. The Custom wine cellar builder custom wine cellar builders team at Vintage Cellars make the entire process exciting, informative, and smooth from start to finish. Vintage Cellars has built gorgeous custom wine cellars and wine storage rooms across the United States and World for over 32 years. We are your go-to business for anything wine cellar and wine storage related! Whether you're interested in a wine closet, wine racking, custom wine racks, a custom wine cellar door, or a cooling system for your existing space, Vintage Cellars has you covered! We carry all kinds of wine cellar cooling and refrigeration systems, incuding: Breezaire, CellarCool, WhisperKool, Wine Guardian, CellarPro and Commercial systems. We also carry many types of Wine Refrigerators, Wine Cabinets, and wine racking types, including La Cache, Marvel, N'Finity, Transtherm, Vinotheque, Vintage Series, Credenza, Walk in wine rooms, Climadiff, Riedel, Fontenay, and VintageView. Vintage Cellars also does work in many styles, including Contemporary and Modern, Rustic, Farmhouse, Traditional, Craftsman, Industrial, Mediterranean, Mid-Century, Industrial and Eclectic. Some locations we cover often include: Agora Hills, Alameda, Albany, Alhambra, Aliso Viejo, Altadena, Anaheim, Angwin, Arcadia, Aromas, Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Atherton, Avila Beach, Balboa Terrace, Bel Air, Belmont, Belvedere, Benton, Berkeley, Bermuda Dunes, Beverly Hills, Big Sur, Bolinas, Boyle Heights, Bradbury, Bradley, Brea, Brentwood, Bridgeport, Brisbane, Buellton, Buena Park, Burbank, Burlingame, Calabasas, Calistoga, Cambria, Canoga Park, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Carmel, Carmel By The Sea, Carmel Valley, Carnelian Bay, Carpinteria, Casmalia, Castroville, Cathedral City, Cayucos, Chatsworth, Chualar, City of LA, City of SF, Coachella, Coleville, Colma, Corona Del Mar, Coronado, Coronado Island, Corte Madera, Costa Mesa, Coto De Caza, Creston, Crystal Cove, Cupertino, Cypress, Danville, Deer Park, Del Mar, Diablo, Duarte, Eagle Rock, East Palo Alto, East Pasadena, Echo Park, El Granada, El Monte, Emeryville, Encinitas, Encino, Fairfax, Foster City, Fountain Valley, Fremont, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Glendale, Golden Gate Park, Goleta, Gonzales, Granada Hills, Granite Bay, Greenbrae, Greenfield, Grover Beach, Guadalupe, Half Moon Bay, Hancock Park, Harmony, Hidden Hills, Hillsborough, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Huntington Beach, Indian Wells, Indio, Industry, Inner Richmond, Inverness, Irvine, Jolon, June Lake, Kentfield, King City, La Canada Flintridge, La Habra, La Honda, La Jolla, La Palma, La Quinta, Ladera Heights, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Balboa, Lake Forest, Lake Tahoe, Lake View Terrace, Larkspur, Laurel Canyon, Lee Vining, Lockwood, Lompoc, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Los Alamos, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Angeles, Los Gatos, Los Olivos, Los Osos, Malibu, Mammoth Lakes, Manhattan Beach, Marin, Marina, Marshall, Mayflower Village, Menlo Park, Mill Valley, Millbrae, Mission Hills, Mission Viejo, Mono, Monrovia, Montara, Montebello, Monterey, Monterey Park, Morro Bay, Moss Beach, Moss Landing, Mountain View, Napa, New Cuyama, Newark, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Nicasio, Nipomo, North Hills, Northridge, Novato, Oakland, Oakville, Ocean Beach, Oceano, Orange, Orange County, Pacific Grove, Pacific Palisades, Pacoima, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Palo Alto, Palos Verdes, Panorama City, Pasadena, Paso Robles, Pebble Beach, Pescadero, Piedmont, Pismo Beach, Placentia, Point Reyes Station, Pope Valley, Portola Valley, Presidio, Presidio Heights, Rancho Mirage, Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Margarita, Redondo Beach, Redwood City, Reseda, Rosemead, Russian Cliff, Rutherford, Saint Helena, Salinas, San Anselmo, San Ardo, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Clemente, San Diego, San Fernando, San Francisco, San Gabriel, San Gregorio, San Jose, San Juan Capistrano, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, San Lucas, San Luis Obispo, San Marino, San Mateo, San Miguel, San Rafael, San Simeon, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Clarita, Santa Margarita, Santa Maria, Santa Monica, Santa Ynez, Saratoga, Sausalito, Sea Cliff, Seal Beach, Seaside, Shadow Hills, Shandon, Sherman Oaks, Sierra Madre, Silver Lake, Solana Beach, Soledad, Solvang, Sonoma, South El Monte, South Pasadena, South San Gabriel, Spreckels, Squaw Valley, St Helena, Stanford, Stanton, Stinson Beach, Stough Park, Studio City, Summerland, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sunnyvale, Sylmar, Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, Tarzana, Temple City, Templeton, Thousand Oaks, Thousand Palms, Tiburon, Toluca Lake, Topanga, Topaz, Torrey Pines, Tujanga, Tustin, Union City, Valencia, Verdugo Mountains, Vernon, Villa Park, Walnut, Walnut Creek, West Puente Valley, Westminster, Westwood, Whittier, Woodside, Yorba Linda, Yountville San Diego Wine Cellars, Rancho Santa Fe Wine Cellars, Beverly Hills Wine Cellars, Bel Air Wine Cellars, Orange County Wine Cellars, Newport Beach Wine Cellars, San Francisco Wine Cellars, Napa Wine Cellars, Sonoma Wine Cellars, Los Angeles Wine Cellars, Santa Barbara Wine Cellars, Palm Desert Wine Cellars, La Jolla Wine Cellars, Del Mar Wine Cellars, Coronado Wine Cellars, Pacific Palisades Wine Cellars, Malibu Wine Cellars, Santa Monica Wine Cellars, Brentwood Wine Cellars, Laguna Wine Cellars, Crystal Cove Wine Cellars, Hollywood Wine Cellars, Bay Area Wine Cellars, South Bay Wine Cellars, LA Wine Cellars, SD Wine Cellars, OC Wine Cellars, SF Wine Cellars, Huntington Beach Wine Cellars, Carlsbad Wine Cellars, Palos Verdes Wine Cellars, Paso Robles Wine Cellars, Encinitas Wine Cellars, Manhattan Beach Wine Cellars, Marin Wine Cellars, Tiburon Wine Cellars, Coto De Caza Wine Cellars, Thousand Oaks Wine Cellars, Cardiff Wine Cellars, RSF Wine Cellars, San Marino Wine Cellars, Ladera Heights Wine Cellars, Westwood Wine Cellars, Hillsborough Wine Cellars, Luxury Wine Cellars, Custom Wine Cellars, High End Wine Cellars, Estate Wine Cellars, Modern Wine Cellars, Contemporary Wine Cellars, Rustic Wine Cellars, Traditional Wine Cellars Contact Vintage Cellars today with any of your Wine Cellar needs! (800) 876-8789 Vintage Cellars 904 Rancheros Drive San Marcos, California 92069 (800) 876-8789 Traditional Shabby Chic Scandanavian Contemporary Modern Beach Desert Transitional Asian Coastal Rustic Mediterranean French Country Farmhouse Eclectic Craftsman Tropical Southwestern

The Most EPIC Backyard EVER

C.E. Pontz Sons

The title pretty much sums it all up ” The Most EPIC Backyard EVER” this project is EPIC EPIC EPIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s a backyard full of dreams all which have come true. Speechless……..? Yup The project consisted of the installation of porcelain patio with upper fire pit area and hot tub at far end of patio. Upper patio surface and overlay of existing concrete pad was done in Abbotsford porcelain tile (24″x24″) in ‘Coffee Cream’ and porcelain ‘wood look’ tile in ‘Beachwood’. The lower patio area is constructed of natural irregular flagstone with the lower retaining walls being natural limestone boulders. Upper walls, fire pit, and upper steps were constructed of masonry faced with Piedmont natural stone veneer and capped with Chateau Limestone. Steps at the lower side are solid treads natural stone treads that match the existing steps at water feature and Chateau Limestone steps. Diving rock is a large natural stone slab similar to steps and bridge at the waterfall. Another boulder retaining wall was constructed along the path. The path leads to another set of natural stone steps leading to a circular natural flagstone patio with natural stone fire pit as well. Landscape lighting around new pool area featuring the FX luxor system. Included in the lighting system was 34 (under cap) step and wall lights (Zoning, Dimming, and Color Changing), 14 path lights (Zoning and Dimming) on paths as well as natural stone and solid steps and up lights on trees. FX Luxor system to connect with existing lighting system. This is an additional phase to a project that originally featured a large ecosystem pond with wetland filtration, stone steppers and bubbling urns throughout. The pond has a zero edge waterfall which enters a short stream before dumping into a massive beautiful waterfall. Natural stone steps lead upwards with a large natural stone bridge straddling the stream up to the pond and deck area. Truly EPIC!

XXTwo | 1718-NE16

User

The XXTwo Plan merges ultimate functionality with a clean Scandinavian-inspired modern farmhouse minimalism. From the curb, the design presents with an impressive stature marked by a tall 2-story gable massing, flanked by a flat-roofed wing and entryway sheltered by a quaint second-story deck above. This rendition is skinned with a dark concrete brick, accented by a richly-stained tongue and groove cedar wood facade. Designed specifically for NE16, my OKC Urban Renewal-awarded redevelopment project in inner Oklahoma City, this plan is compatible with narrow lots while still packing in nearly 1900 square feet of pure, functional living space. It includes a standard 1-car garage with modern, satin-glass window garage door, but when building from scratch, can also be re-configured as a pull-through breezeway into a backyard parking scenario, where a detached garage is also possible. Guests are greeted with an impressive two-story vaulted, naturally-lit staircase immediately adjacent to the front door. The great room, complete with a touch of industrial-modern with its exposed HVAC ductwork, is vast with a roomy kitchen on one end and living room at the other. Just beyond the living room is a 3-panel door system to the back patio and yard. Kitchen-wise, modern enthusiasts who love to cook will enjoy the large kitchen wall that includes an impressive range and vent hood with a horizontal slider window built right into the backsplash over the cooktop. The island also includes one of my signature built-in tables that comfortably seats six, and is one less piece of furniture to buy. A powder bathroom also resides downstairs, saving you that quick climb up the stairs just for a quick bathroom stop. When it's time to retire for the evening, the upstairs offers several living options. Just atop the staircase is a double-door system that provides not only natural light, but access to the quaint rooftop deck overlooking the front yard. The hall leads to a full bathroom, linen closet, and spacious back bedroom with walk-in closet. Down the other end of the hall leads to the master suite, utility room, and 3rd bedroom, also with its own master closet. The master suite, the largest of the three bedrooms, has its own full bathroom with dual sinks, shower, toilet room, and large walk-in closet with that direct, secondary connectivity to the utility room that many of my designs are known for. If a truly-modern curb appeal that doesn't skimp on functional space is what you're after, give the XXTwo a good look. | jC

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Plan # FB1037

Southernwood Homes

This opulent, newly constructed four-bedroom, three and a half bath residence is situated on a sprawling 1-acre lot within an exclusive gated community. Boasting an elegant exterior of four-sided brick complemented by white-washed stone accents, this home features numerous spacious living areas, each graced by a cozy fireplace and seamlessly connected to the open-concept kitchen. The shared spaces are adorned with exquisite site-finished hardwood flooring and adorned with wood-beamed ceilings, creating a warm and inviting ambiance throughout. The impeccably designed kitchen features custom white cabinetry adorned with brushed gold hardware, stunning quartz countertops that seamlessly extend up the backsplash, a truly breathtaking Waterfall Kitchen Center Island, and top-of-the-line KitchenAid stainless steel appliances, including a separate gas cooktop and a convenient pot-filler. A striking office is conveniently situated just off the entry foyer, exuding an elevated sense of style with its Board and Batten walls and upgraded lighting. Whether you prefer to unwind in the expansive screened-in porch with its elegant flagstone flooring, brick fireplace, and charming tongue-and-groove ceiling, which overlooks the spacious backyard, or relax on the front porch with similar high-quality finishes, you'll find outdoor living at its finest. The main level hosts the primary suite, featuring hardwood flooring, a wood-beamed ceiling, and a walk-in closet equipped with custom shelving for optimal organization. The primary spa retreat offers a luxurious standing tub, a beautifully tiled shower, and double vanities complemented by a quartz countertop tower. Upstairs, you'll discover three more bedrooms, including a guest suite with its private bathroom, as well as two additional bedrooms connected by a convenient Jack and Jill bathroom. The upper level also boasts a generously sized bonus room, adding extra flexibility and living space to this exceptional home. This residence radiates elegant detailing and offers limitless possibilities to accommodate today's lifestyles. The partially finished Terrace Level is graced by a double-sided fireplace, and the builder has thoughtfully included all HVAC, electrical, drywall, and rough plumbing required for a full bathroom and powder room. The property's landscape is professionally designed and features an underground irrigation system to ensure the grounds remain beautifully maintained.

Plan # FB1037

Southernwood Homes

Distinctive Hoboken Brownstone

Hudson Place Realty

Property marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Rare downtown townhouse featuring a unique combination of historic detail and modern conveniences. This timeless all brick home shows the high quality of its original construction through its elegant fluted center staircase and large, well scaled rooms designed for both entertaining and comfortable living. With over 1,800 sq.ft. of space and four full floors, this property offers an ideal level of flexibility in layout and function for the future owner. The first floor accommodates a formal dinning area with wood burning fireplace, an eat-in kitchen with custom cabinetry, professional Viking and Sub-Zero appliances, ample closet and pantry space, and a walkout to a private garden. The second floor features a large formal living room complete with large mahogany pocket doors, original plaster molding and wood burning marble fireplace. In addition, there is a garden level playroom/in-law suite complete with a kitchenette, a separate entrance, and a full bath. Also included on this floor is a dedicated laundry area with stacked full size W/D, folding counter, and storage. Meticulously renovated and maintained, you will find new white oak floors, marble and tile baths including a soaking tub with whirlpool, stained glass skylights above the staircase and the top floor master bath which fill the house in natural light, period molding, and mahogany stained wood doors throughout. Completing the renovation are advanced mechanical systems with a two zone hot water heating system with European style low profile radiators, a seperate two zone hi-velocity A/C and air filtration system, CATV and network wiring to every room, and an advanced wireless alarm system. Super convenient location within short walking distance to NYC PATH, ferry, and bus. In the heart of Hoboken shopping and nightlife, several blocks to four major parks, including the the waterfront, and close proximity to Hoboken’s finest schools.

Challenges with your backyard? Yeah, we can help with that!

Deck Remodelers.com

Challenges with your backyard space? Yeah, that's no problem for us. In this space, the deck could not be attached to the house because of the way this turn-of-the-century home was built. The house is 100 years old and the basement door is right in the middle of the back of the house, preventing an attached deck. Another big challenge on this space was that the lot sloped up the hill and away from the house. So what did we do? We excavated and put in retaining walls and build it into the side of the hill, while maintaining integrity of the backyard space and driveway. The homeowners wanted their outdoor space on the same level as the play area with swingset so that they could watch the kids while they relax. Nailed it! A little bit about us… Deck Remodeler’s Founder and President, Sean McAleer, grew up in his father’s architectural woodworking shop and mastered his craft as a third-generation carpenter and cabinet maker organically. While others adopted the craft, Sean was born in to it. Building a business using the skills he learned and perfected over the years…it’s in his DNA. With 30+ years of experience, he adapted and developed a palette of materials and methods for outdoor living that few can match, though many have tried to copy. Bringing his love of designing and building beautiful things inside the home to the outside spaces with all the challenges that presents has been his passion for decades. While Sean is certainly the visionary of Deck Remodelers, his talented and dedicated team ensures every project, big or small, is designed and built seamlessly. Our team includes in-house certified designers, architects, project management team, operations director, and of course, our highly skilled craftsmen in the field that bring it all to life. What also sets Deck Remodeler’s apart is the experience of working with a full team of passionate professionals. All communication between customers, office staff and workers in the field is done through the real time system, allowing us to stream-line our projects. Customers are kept up to date through our system, and never have to wonder the status of their project – stream-lined communication is a huge priority for us. With 60+ National Design Awards, there’s a reason Deck Remodelers is the MOST awarded deck builder in North America. Regardless of the deck and features, when Deck Remodelers builds your outdoor dream space, it is far from ordinary. Large or small, full features or basic, the design, quality and craftmanship is second to none. You not only get beautiful results, but a company that stands behind its work. We believe it is critical to use quality materials and employ highly trained and certified crew members that assure that quality in every aspect is second to none for our discerning clients. Serving NJ, NY, & CT we’ve got you covered! If you are looking for a modern, traditional, or transitional custom builder to design& build you your perfect backyard space , call the experts at Deck Remodelers for your free virtual consultation! 973.729.2125

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Columbus, OH

Hope Restoration & General Contracting35 Reviews

Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Plan # FB1037

Southernwood Homes

Private Residence in Iowa City

RHEINZINK

Prior to its near-total reconstruction, the Jett Residence was an overgrown structure hidden in a grove of trees in Iowa City, IA. The strikingly-renovated cottage now serves as a retreat house for its owners. Originally built in 1853, the residence retains a significant portion of the original, locally-made red brick. An original, vaulted stone root cellar—rumored to have been part of the Underground Railroad—also remains on the property. The owners were deeply involved in working with Neumann Monson Architects, Iowa City, in planning the renovation, according to co-owner Bobby Jett. The interior design of the 1,870 sq. ft. cottage offers a highly contemporary flair within the historic setting. The most prominent feature of the exterior is the RHEINZINK roof. “Everyone loves the roof,” Jett said. “They’ve never seen anything like it.” Approximately 2,500 sq. ft. of RHEINZINK Square Tiles were utilized. The 0.8mm prePATINA blue-grey Square Tiles were installed in a diamond pattern. Selection of the RHEINZINK Square Tiles was inspired by an old black and white photo of the house taken more half a century ago. “At that time, the roof of the house had diamond shaped shingles. We wanted to replicate that look,” according to Jett. “The architect suggested that RHEINZINK could provide the look and durability we wanted.” “We definitely wanted to replicate the roof’s visual pattern that we saw in the old photo but obviously wanted it to have more permanence and durability,” said Tim Schroeder, vice president at Neumann Monson Architects. “We’ve worked with zinc before and thought it would be a good complement to the dormers that would provide a nice crisp appearance. The RHEINZINK was definitely a nod to the historic element but provided a progressive look as well.” Fabrication of the Square Tiles was done by RHEINZINK systems partner Sheet Metal Supply (SMS), Mundelein, IL. Installation of the RHEINZINK Square Tiles was performed by Natural Metal Associates, Mont Vernon, NH. The owner of Natural Metal Associates, Lou Rondeau, has extensive hands-on experience with zinc fabrication methods and techniques. “I knew this was a unique project and I really wanted to be a part of it,” Rondeau said. Rondeau was accompanied by an apprentice and personally did the hand-cutting and folding associated with detailing the valleys and edges. The work also included installation of the RHEINZINK half-round 5½” gutter system. The installation was completed in nine days, according to Rondeau. “Zinc is a premium material that’s a real pleasure to work with,” he said.

Costa Mesa Orange County Modern Custom Bar Wine Cellar Wine Room Glass Metal

Vintage Cellars & Saunas

Window Sheers and Shadings

Accent Window Fashions LLC

ALUSTRA® LUMINETTE® Privacy Sheers Beautiful sheers in luxurious fabrics Our Alustra® Luminette® Privacy Sheers are available in exclusive radiant sheer fabrics and metallic hardware finishes for a new level of beauty and illumination on wide windows and sliding doors. Light Control SUPERVISE THE SUN 180-degree rotating, vertical fabric vanes put you in control of your natural light and privacy. Transform harsh exterior light by diffusing it with our sheer fabrics, spreading it evenly throughout your room, so you can maximize daylight hours and reduce your need for artificial light. Our beautiful sheer fabrics as well as our modern drapery panels filter out brightness, glare, and UV rays—protecting your furniture and flooring from fading. Design Inspiration EXCLUSIVE FABRICS AND FINISHES Our handpicked, premium fabrics turn ordinary rooms into ones of beauty and distinction. When framed with our exclusive metallic hardware finishes which reflect light in numerous ways, these fabrics create window fashions that can complement your décor and create welcoming, comfortable spaces. Exclusive Hardware Systems BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS When your sheers are closed, our SofTrak™ hardware system conceals the headrail with fabric for a refined, elegant look. Exclusive Hardware Systems BEAUTY IN THE DETAILS Providing a choice of adorned rail styles and finials, Manhattan™ hardware can add an element of sophistication. Accents by the Yard™ FABRICS FOR YOUR ROOM DECOR The sheer face fabrics of Alustra® Luminette® are available by the yard, so you can create decorative accents for any room with matching fabric. Platinum™ Technology CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE OR TABLET Controlling your window treatments with a mobile device means you can set your blinds to movie mode, work mode, or 8 a.m. mode with the touch of a button, without leaving your seat. It’s effortless, fun and smart—with perfectly smooth operation. Lifetime Guarantee FOR LIFE Hunter Douglas products are designed and custom-assembled in the U.S. with the highest level of quality. But just in case, every window treatment from Hunter Douglas is covered by our lifetime limited guarantee. Read the Hunter Douglas Warranty to learn more. Hunter Douglas Alustra® Luminette® Privacy Sheers with Traveling Wand™ Hunter Douglas Alustra® Luminette® Privacy Sheers with Traveling Wand™ Fabric: Sheer Color: Silver Reflection™ Operating Systems: Traveling Wand Room: Den Room Styles: Transitional, Contemporary Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Alustra #Luminette #Privacy_Sheers #Traveling_Wand #Den #Den_Ideas #Family_Room_Ideas #Transitional #Contemporary #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

Charming Basement Remodel - Indianapolis, IN

Constantine Design Group, Inc.

This early 20th century Indianapolis, IN basement remodel was in desperate need of help. The original and still operating hydronic radiant heating system had its plumbing configured without regard to any other use of the space. Fearful of harming the aged system and the high cost of doing so, these Clients were adamant that the existing system remain intact. Architect Lee Constantine developed a design that maintained the existing heating system while creating "niches" around the perimeter that would conceal the unsightly plumbing. Additionally, by removing free-standing structural supporting posts, amore flexible and inviting space was achieved. Because of an already low ceiling condition, the floor-ceiling structure above was kept exposed, painted and highlighted with indirect lighting to avoid further reducing the ceiling height. Constantine incorporated "clouds" on this ceiling to conceal certain existing components that either were cost prohibitive to relocate or couldn't be relocated. These "clouds"become a "visual element" through their geometry and hidden "indirect" light source rather than an undesirable complication. Now this family entertains frequently in the basement and reports "it doesn't feel like we're in a basement anymore"

Lubberland's Edge

Kaplan Thompson Architects

Context Norbert and Robin had dreamed of retiring in a Passive House-certified home overlooking the Lubberland Creek Preserve in Southeastern New Hampshire, and they’d done their homework. They were interested in using four integrated Zehnder America (www.zehnderamerica.com) technologies to make the 1,900 square foot home extremely energy efficient. They didn’t miss any opportunity to innovate or raise the bar on sustainable design. Our goals were focused on guaranteeing their comfort in every season, saving them money on a fixed income, and reducing the home’s overall impact on the environment as much as possible. Response The home faces directly south and captures sunlight all winter under tall and vaulted ceilings and a continuous band of slim-lined, Italian triple-pane windows and doors that provide gorgeous views of the wild preserve. A second-story office nook and clerestory provide even deeper views, with a little more privacy. Zehnder, which previously sold its innovative products only in Europe, took on the project as a test house. We designed around Zehnder’s vent-based systems, including a geothermal heat loop that heats and cools incoming air, a heat pump cooling system, electric towel-warmer radiators in the bathrooms, and a highly efficient energy recovery ventilator, which recycles heat and minimizes the need for air conditioning. The house effectively has no conventional heating system—and doesn’t need it. We also looked for efficiencies and smart solutions everywhere, from the lights to the windows to the insulation. The kitchen exhaust hood eliminates, cleans, and recirculates cooking fumes in the home’s unique kitchen, custom-designed to match the ways Norbert likes to prepare meals. There are several countertop heights so they can prep and clean comfortably, and the eat-in kitchen also has two seating heights so people can sit and socialize while they’re working on dinner. An adjacent screened porch greets guests and opens to the view. A roof-mounted solar system helps to ensure that the home generates more energy than it consumes—helped by features such as a heat pump water heater, superinsulation, LED lights and a polished concrete floor that helps regulate indoor temperatures.