Located in, Summit Park, Park City UT lies one of the most efficient houses in the country. The Summit Haus – designed and built by Chris Price of PCD+B, is an exploration in design and construction of advanced high performance housing. Seeing a rising demand for sustainable housing along with rising Carbon emissions leading to global warming, this house strives to show that sensible, good design can create spaces adequate for today’s housing demands while adhering to strict standards. The house was designed to meet the very rigid Passiv House rating system – 90% more efficient than a typical home in the area. The house itself was intended to nestle neatly into the 45 degree sloped site and to take full advantage of the limited solar access and views. The views range from short, highly wooded views to a long corridor out towards the Uinta Mountain range towards the east. The house was designed and built based off Passiv Haus standards, and the framing and ventilation became critical elements to maintain such minimal energy requirements. Zola triple-pane, tilt-and-turn Thermo uPVC windows contribute substantially to the home’s energy efficiency, and takes advantage of the beautiful surrounding of the location, including forrest views from the deck off of the kitchen. Photographer: Douglas Burke

We developed a design that fully met the desires of a spacious, airy, light filled home incorporating Universal Design features that blend seamlessly adding beauty to the Minimalist Scandinavian concept.

Design by Joanna Hartman Photography by Ryann Ford Styling by Adam Fortner This space features Crema Marfil Honed 12x12 floor tile and Restoration Hardware "Vintage Hooks".

Sewing Studio (Photographs by Daniel O' Connor)
Inspiration for a transitional basement remodel in Denver

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master white tile and subway tile marble floor freestanding bathtub remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, a one-piece toilet and blue walls

The idea behind this soft contemporary bathroom was to create a tranquil space for its owners to retreat to after a long day. The clean lines and sleek hardware keep the space looking contemporary while the neutral tones and horizontal tiles add a calming, spa-like affect. Functional storage was a key component of the bathroom. We added pull-outs below the sink, jewelry/make-up dividers in the vanity drawer and a pullout grooming organizer. Design by Ashley Kasper, AKBD

The idea behind this soft contemporary bathroom was to create a tranquil space for its owners to retreat to after a long day. The clean lines and sleek hardware keep the space looking contemporary while the neutral tones and horizontal tiles add a calming, spa-like affect. Functional storage was a key component of the bathroom. We added pull-outs below the sink, jewelry/make-up dividers in the vanity drawer and a pullout grooming organizer. Design by Ashley Kasper, AKBD

Inspiration for a large transitional dark wood floor family room library remodel in New York with beige walls, a standard fireplace, no tv and a stone fireplace

Balancing modern architectural elements with traditional Edwardian features was a key component of the complete renovation of this San Francisco residence. All new finishes were selected to brighten and enliven the spaces, and the home was filled with a mix of furnishings that convey a modern twist on traditional elements. The re-imagined layout of the home supports activities that range from a cozy family game night to al fresco entertaining. Architect: AT6 Architecture Builder: Citidev Photographer: Ken Gutmaker Photography

Example of a mid-sized classic built-in desk medium tone wood floor home office design with yellow walls and no fireplace

Built-ins shelves are a key component in the 'Reading Room' adjacent to he Dining Room. The Reading Room also serves as a mingling/cocktail area during dinners with family and friends.

Greenwich Village, NYC terrace garden. In the heart of the West Village, this 10 x 30 terrace is meant to evoke the client’s passion for a bucolic homestead on a ranch. The space overlooks a courtyard and is surrounded by other luxury condos. Thus privacy was a key component for the client, which is achieved by the planting of switchgrass along the perimeter — evoking the prairie grassland. Two Serviceberry trees (Amelanchier canadensis) create additional privacy, their perfect alignment representative of a farmstead orchard, with the rustic pergola providing either structure or hidden sanctuary (by closure of the roman shade) for al fresco dining, cocktails and hammock lounging. Photo ©ToddHaiman2018

The clients found a house they loved for two reasons…location, location, location (first reason) and the exterior style was similar to a beloved childhood home. They came to LaMantia inquiring as to the possibilities for the first floor. Armed with the clients’ “wants and desires” LaMantia designers Jackie Prazak and Andy LaMantia went about redesigning most of the first floor into an open floor plan fit for the young family. LaMantia & Prazak found the key to providing the enlarged feeling was through the poorly designed existing home addition. The additional living space was difficult to access, thus providing no useful function to the home. Completely removing the original exterior walls of the home that blocked access into the addition was the first step in the plan. With the walls removed, the original walled-off space became a part of the home. Relocating the first floor Powder Room, revising the entry closet, removing the wall into the kitchen and resizing the Living Room all were key components to the final rebirth of the larger picture. To finalize the new kitchen space, it was suggested to raise the Bay window unit thus allowing the relocated sink location. With all the revisions, the Kitchen now could easily accommodate a stretched out “L” layout with a large seated Island and a separate desk area. With the final plans in place, the clients were amazed to find that within the existing walls of their newly purchased home they had gained so much extra use. And…the very last prize they gained was a dreamed of Mudroom!

Example of a transitional home bar design in Sacramento

The cork wallpaper, decorative chandelier, and modern furniture are key components to this beautiful dining room. The drapery adds a level of sophistication that we just love! The mirror adds the finishing touch !

Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea in Sacramento

Custom slide-out drying racks for sweaters and delicates, slide out of the way but allow for air circulation for drying. Peggy Woodall - designer
Mid-sized elegant galley laundry room photo with an utility sink, beaded inset cabinets, beige cabinets, laminate countertops and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Custom touches like bespoke built-in PTAC units that beautifully hide heating and cooling while allowing access for maintenance are a key component to achieving a clean, modern look.

As you may know, Superior Chimney writes a lot of articles to educate the Chicagoland area on chimneys and how to identify problems. Every once in a while, it is good to go back and review the basics. That’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to discuss what are the components of a chimney. Let’s get started. What are the Components of a Fireplace? We’re going to get started on the actual chimney itself. Most chimneys are built of brick and some are constructed of a wood framed chase with siding on it to match the rest of the home. The traditional masonry fireplace chimneys include (from the inside out) a firebox, where the firewood burns and gas starter are located. Going up is the throat, smoke chamber and then chimney flue. These are the components of a masonry chimney where the exhaust/air travels through - From the firebox and out through the top of the chimney. You can most often ‘see’ your chimney from the ground, you will notice the bricks and on top of that will be the chimney crown (cement slab) which keeps the elements away from the brick chimney. On top of the chimney crown is the chimney cap. This is what keeps animals & debris from entering the chimney flue… raccoons, squirrels, birds, bats, etc… down the flue, and into the firebox. Now that we know what components that a chimney has, let’s focus on a couple of key areas. Fireplace Dampers All chimneys are fitted with a fireplace damper. A fireplace damper is a metal plate that opens and closes, allowing smoke from the fireplace to move up and out of the home. If you have a fire and the fireplace damper is closed, or restrictive, the smoke will back up into your home. The smoke needs a place to go. When the fireplace is not in use, the damper should remain closed in order to keep the cold air out of your home and warm air from escaping your home. Just because you have a fireplace does not mean that you have to deal with cold drafts in the room the fireplace is in. Chimney Flues As we all know, heat rises. The heat from the fireplace is going to rise taking with it the smoke, and other gases. This process is known as drafting. It is important to have good drafting as it prevents the smoke or gases from staying in your home and harming your family. Chimney Flue Liners Flue liners are important to the chimney; they are your firewall. It works to prevent overheating of any combustibles next to the chimney. And, it helps so the chimney construction doesn’t corrode from the byproducts of burning wood, or creosote. There are a few types of flue liners, such as fire clay tiles, heat resistant concrete, and stainless steel. Superior Chimney recommends the use of stainless steel in our geographic freeze and thaw climate. Our technicians can give you the details when we are at your home. What is the Purpose of Taking Care of the Chimney? Chimney Fires. This is where regular sweep & inspection is crucial to the health of your home. Without a chimney sweep or chimney cleaning each year, (whether you use the chimney or not, gas or wood burning) the chimney can cause a fire to transfer to your home. Only Nationally credentialed service technician professionals know and can inspect the key components of a fireplace for known condition and continued use. Be sure to contact us today!