Search results for "Key degree" in Home Design Ideas

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing
7RR-Ecohome:
The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together?
The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot.
Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing
7RR-Ecohome:
The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together?
The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot.
Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

"Magic" chair and ottoman with "Legend" modular seating group shown in leather. Imported from Norway, Stressless recliner, sofa, and home theatre seating is where eloquent and stylish design meet ergonomic form and function. Available in over 100 fabric and leather options, some stocked in NJ.
Find the right local pro for your project

Photography: River City Media
Accessorizing is like Jewelry!
This photograph was taken after the renovation was completed AND AFTER various soft furnishings and accessories were specified for the home owners. As they say....accessories are like jewelry and professional photography is key!
Tina McCabe of McCabe Design & Interiors would like to thank Bordignon Marble & Stone, Vancouver, B.C., for supplying and fabricating the Bianco Venato Porcelain Slab for this island countertop. Bianco Venato is manufactured by Eiffelgres in Modena, Italy. Leave it to the Italians to produce a wonderful porcelain countertop that simulates marble. Porcelain slabs are extremely scratch and stain resistant as they are flamed at 1454 degrees Celsius. Bianco Venato is a practical and stunning alternative to marble and comes in 118" x 59" slabs. Thank-you again Bordignon Marble & Granite!!

We don't believe in being average. Our furniture is legendary.
The Stressless Legend features unique cushioning that feels sumptious and luxurious as it embraces and supports your body. The specially designed foam and the Stressless glide system means the sofa adjusts to your body smoothly. It simply stretches to that extra degree of comfort you have come to expect. This means that it’s more responsive to the way your body moves. You never have to force it to do anything – simply move, and it moves with you. Your key to it all is the Stressless glide wheel: adjust its grip to how you like it, and leave it that way. And, of course, each sofa seat has its own glide wheel.

Clopay Avante Collection glass garage doors play a key role in the magical, translucent calm that prevails the newly completed Modern Green Barn.
Inspired by the vernacular potato barns of Long Island’s East End, this unique, energy efficient home is one of the most innovative new designs in the Hamptons. It will receive six third party ratings, including LEED for Homes and National Green Building Standard.
Large open spaces create dramatic views, and light and structure is infused into every space.
As the sun sets, the Kalwall gable ends and ridge skylights shed soft light to the outside and the pilaster lanterns and etched glass Clopay Garage Doors begin to glow.
Every room connects to the outdoors, and the transition between many of the rooms and outdoor spaces is seamless. The abundance of woods on the interior and exterior, and the finishes and warm colors, make it warm and inviting.
Project by Stott Architecture for Newmark Developers. Photography by Andy Frame. 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Photography: River City Media
Accessorizing is like Jewelry!
This photograph was taken after the renovation was completed AND AFTER various soft furnishings and accessories were specified for the home owners. As they say....accessories are like jewelry and professional photography is key!
Tina McCabe of McCabe Design & Interiors would like to thank Bordignon Marble & Stone, Vancouver, B.C., for supplying and fabricating the Bianco Venato Porcelain Slab for this island countertop. Bianco Venato is manufactured by Eiffelgres in Modena, Italy. Leave it to the Italians to produce a wonderful porcelain countertop that simulates marble. Porcelain slabs are extremely scratch and stain resistant as they are flamed at 1454 degrees Celsius. Bianco Venato is a practical and stunning alternative to marble and comes in 118" x 59" slabs. Thank-you again Bordignon Marble & Granite!!

A rendering of one of the two luxury penthouses in this condominium conversion. The two floor-through penthouses are distinctive in every way. Private keyed elevator access opens to 360 degrees of light, air and views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines. An abundance of private and expansive outdoor space completes these grand homes.
The kitchens feature six-burner Wolf cook tops, dual Wolf ovens, integrated Wolf microwave drawers, Subzero refrigerators, freezers, and wine coolers. A Bertazzoni hood accents the wood cabinetry and 9 ft island with Calacatta Gold counters and a polished brass façade. 10 ft ceilings give the space a true loft like feel.
The expansive five-fixture master bathrooms are unique and grand. Double sinks are featured on an oversized vanity detailed with marble counters and reclaimed wood fronts. Calacatta marble tiles expand from floor to ceiling, and the free standing Knief Mood bathtubs are accented by brushed chrome fixtures. The powder rooms have onyx stone walls and custom built vanities.

The impact of temperature drop on the chimney can impact the structure and functionality of the chimney. As we have been experiencing in Chicago winters, temperatures have gone from 50 degrees down to 21 degrees during the day, with temperatures falling even further at night. What can you do as a homeowner to watch for, and when to bring in a certified technician from Superior Chimney.
External: Impact of Temperature Drop on the Chimney
Anytime there is a rapid temperature change, it causes the bricks, stones and mortar to expand and contract. These durable materials are still susceptible to thermal shock, especially when it gets wet from ice, rain or melting snow. Because of the drastic change in temperatures, this can cause hairline cracks to begin, and if it goes unnoticed, larger cracks in the masonry will form.
External: Freeze-Thaw Damage
Mortar, bricks and stones are porous materials, meaning that air and water enter the materials. Sometimes, it leaves or dries out, and other times it stays longer. When the temperatures drop below 32 degrees, any of the trapped water freezes and then expands. This can cause small cracks to start, deterioration of the mortar or spalling which is the flaking of the bricks to occur.
External: Ice Build Up on the Chimney Cap or Chimney Crown
When temperatures are 50 degrees and it rains, water accumulates everywhere, including the highest point on your house, the chimney. The chimney cap and chimney crown are always exposed to the harshest elements. When it rains and temperatures drop during the day or night, freezing occurs and can create ice buildup. This can cause the chimney crown to crack or the chimney cap to loosen.
Internal: Chimney Flue Lining
The temperature swing also affects the chimney flue liner. Some chimney flue liners are made from clay. These are especially susceptible to crack forming from the swing in temperatures. But what also happens whether you have a gas or wood burning fireplace is the formation of condensation which can occur when there is fast cooling after the fire in the fireplace is put out or turned off.
Bring out the Sun!
Well, yes, the sunshine melts the ice and snow, but when temperatures go down at night, what remains wet, will refreeze again. The repeated process places stress on the masonry, bricks and stone.
Chimney Inspections Work
A chimney inspection can help with both safety and preserving the structure of the chimney. When a chimney technician conducts an inspection, they will search for cracks in the bricks and mortar, any spalling or deterioration from the thermal shock and freeze thaw cycle. These areas will be marked for repairs if it gets any worse and before it becomes too expensive to repair.
We can’t forget the biggest intruder in the home: water. The chimney technician will also be checking for water leaks from the chimney flashing, the chimney crown, chimney cap or the efflorescence which is the white material that shows up on the chimney or fireplace.
These are just a couple of key areas that a chimney inspection completes. There are numerous other areas, and this can be found on Superior Chimney’s 14-point inspection guide.
Contact us today, and we’ll set you up for a chimney inspection with photo evidence so you have peace of mind with the safety and security of your home.

Driven by a passion for the salt life and a love of the natural beauty of the area, they will leave the Northeast on a trek for the Florida Gulf Coast. The winters there are simply too cold to tolerate for any length of time. And why would they suffer those freezing temperatures when the average temperature on Longboat Key in January is 71 degrees?
However, this is no migration and the subject is not a bird. My clients cannot be referred to as “Snowbirds” either. This is a homecoming. More so, it is a new beginning; a resurrection!
“From the crown of the palm tree, there grew a flame. The flame revealed a nest. As the flames of change kissed the nest, a new being was born. This fantastic creature was born in the image of its predecessor, but it was given a new life. Indeed, it was resurrected. Behold the Phoenix!”
Many years ago, they were pulled from the area in the pursuit of better employment. All the while, they maintained a strong connection with the Gulf Coast. This is where they would spend the best years of their lives. Now is their time of rebirth.
The property they chose is on boating water on the Bay side of Longboat Key. The property is among the few undeveloped lots scattered around the island. Over the years it had been planted with a variety of tropical species including many of the common house varieties such as Ficus, rubber trees, and Areca Palms. Loving the locale, these species quickly outgrew their space. In the shadows, native Sabal Palms stretched their trunks in an effort to survive. A Phoenix Reclinata Palm sat unassumingly beneath the shadow of a large Ficus. We liberated them by removing all of the invasive varieties. We then relocated all ten of the resident Sabal Palms (our State Tree) on site.
The home, designed by celebrated local architect Mark Sultana of DSDG, Inc., is a contemporary flat. The layout is a single living level above parking and grade level outdoor spaces. The architecture is crisp and inspiring and it is sensitive to the smaller scale of the eclectic neighborhood in which it will be constructed. From the elevated balcony, the residents will enjoy watching the many local manatees as they hug the sea wall looking for warmth on chilly mornings. From grade level decks, they will get up close and personal with the abundant schools of mullet in the canal. A northern exposure to the open side of the plan will allow for the amazing breezes offered by passing cool fronts.

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

Driven by a passion for the salt life and a love of the natural beauty of the area, they will leave the Northeast on a trek for the Florida Gulf Coast. The winters there are simply too cold to tolerate for any length of time. And why would they suffer those freezing temperatures when the average temperature on Longboat Key in January is 71 degrees?
However, this is no migration and the subject is not a bird. My clients cannot be referred to as “Snowbirds” either. This is a homecoming. More so, it is a new beginning; a resurrection!
“From the crown of the palm tree, there grew a flame. The flame revealed a nest. As the flames of change kissed the nest, a new being was born. This fantastic creature was born in the image of its predecessor, but it was given a new life. Indeed, it was resurrected. Behold the Phoenix!”
Many years ago, they were pulled from the area in the pursuit of better employment. All the while, they maintained a strong connection with the Gulf Coast. This is where they would spend the best years of their lives. Now is their time of rebirth.
The property they chose is on boating water on the Bay side of Longboat Key. The property is among the few undeveloped lots scattered around the island. Over the years it had been planted with a variety of tropical species including many of the common house varieties such as Ficus, rubber trees, and Areca Palms. Loving the locale, these species quickly outgrew their space. In the shadows, native Sabal Palms stretched their trunks in an effort to survive. A Phoenix Reclinata Palm sat unassumingly beneath the shadow of a large Ficus. We liberated them by removing all of the invasive varieties. We then relocated all ten of the resident Sabal Palms (our State Tree) on site.
The home, designed by celebrated local architect Mark Sultana of DSDG, Inc., is a contemporary flat. The layout is a single living level above parking and grade level outdoor spaces. The architecture is crisp and inspiring and it is sensitive to the smaller scale of the eclectic neighborhood in which it will be constructed. From the elevated balcony, the residents will enjoy watching the many local manatees as they hug the sea wall looking for warmth on chilly mornings. From grade level decks, they will get up close and personal with the abundant schools of mullet in the canal. A northern exposure to the open side of the plan will allow for the amazing breezes offered by passing cool fronts.

This home is located in an area of Little Rock we call the upper heights by the Little Rock Country Club.
What was difficult about this project, was it had been under construction for one year. The house roof was installed and the rough-in framing almost complete.
On a nice spring day, I just happened to see the builder Jack Hartsell in the front yard. We have worked together on several projects and I inquired as to the status of the interior lighting design. Jack informed me the lighting plans had not been finalized. Jack gave me the architectural firm's name, Lindsey Yeary Architects in Little Rock. I have worked with the firm before but not with this architect, Carolyn Lindsey.
We met and she introduced me to the owner who has a vast art collection that they rotate. In review of my lighting design portfolio with my focus on art lighting I was hired.
Now the lighting design became the project priority. The builder was a month away from needing recessed can lighting housings and I had to produce the lighting plans, with lighting specifications, in two weeks.
I met their schedule, lighting was ordered.
To accent art, furnishings and architectural features, the recessed lighting distance placement from the wall is critical. All good lighting designers show in their lighting plans the recessed cans measurements from the walls. This helps the electricians know exactly where to place the art accent lighting.
Once the house is completed, the recessed cans cannot be relocated without creating a mess and extra cost.
I worked with the architect to re-layout the dining room coffered ceiling placement in order to place the lighting according to my lighting plan. All the recessed cans featured ceiling trims with a four inch diameter opening, rotated 360 degrees and a forty-five degree vertical adjustability. Recessed can fixtures must have the ability to adjust. it is the key to accent lighting.
This was the typical lighting approach for all the rooms in the house with art.
Credits:
Client: DES Rogers , AR Contracted JRD
https://www.des3s.com/
Architects : Yeary Lindsey Architects Little Rock, Ar
https://www.yearylindsey.com
Builder: Jack Hartsell Constuction Little Rock, AR
Electrician: Jacobs Electric & Communications LLC
Little Rock, AR

Driven by a passion for the salt life and a love of the natural beauty of the area, they will leave the Northeast on a trek for the Florida Gulf Coast. The winters there are simply too cold to tolerate for any length of time. And why would they suffer those freezing temperatures when the average temperature on Longboat Key in January is 71 degrees?
However, this is no migration and the subject is not a bird. My clients cannot be referred to as “Snowbirds” either. This is a homecoming. More so, it is a new beginning; a resurrection!
“From the crown of the palm tree, there grew a flame. The flame revealed a nest. As the flames of change kissed the nest, a new being was born. This fantastic creature was born in the image of its predecessor, but it was given a new life. Indeed, it was resurrected. Behold the Phoenix!”
Many years ago, they were pulled from the area in the pursuit of better employment. All the while, they maintained a strong connection with the Gulf Coast. This is where they would spend the best years of their lives. Now is their time of rebirth.
The property they chose is on boating water on the Bay side of Longboat Key. The property is among the few undeveloped lots scattered around the island. Over the years it had been planted with a variety of tropical species including many of the common house varieties such as Ficus, rubber trees, and Areca Palms. Loving the locale, these species quickly outgrew their space. In the shadows, native Sabal Palms stretched their trunks in an effort to survive. A Phoenix Reclinata Palm sat unassumingly beneath the shadow of a large Ficus. We liberated them by removing all of the invasive varieties. We then relocated all ten of the resident Sabal Palms (our State Tree) on site.
The home, designed by celebrated local architect Mark Sultana of DSDG, Inc., is a contemporary flat. The layout is a single living level above parking and grade level outdoor spaces. The architecture is crisp and inspiring and it is sensitive to the smaller scale of the eclectic neighborhood in which it will be constructed. From the elevated balcony, the residents will enjoy watching the many local manatees as they hug the sea wall looking for warmth on chilly mornings. From grade level decks, they will get up close and personal with the abundant schools of mullet in the canal. A northern exposure to the open side of the plan will allow for the amazing breezes offered by passing cool fronts.

This home is located in an area of Little Rock we call the upper heights by the Little Rock Country Club.
What was difficult about this project, was it had been under construction for one year. The house roof was installed and the rough-in framing almost complete.
On a nice spring day, I just happened to see the builder Jack Hartsell in the front yard. We have worked together on several projects and I inquired as to the status of the interior lighting design. Jack informed me the lighting plans had not been finalized. Jack gave me the architectural firm's name, Lindsey Yeary Architects in Little Rock. I have worked with the firm before but not with this architect, Carolyn Lindsey.
We met and she introduced me to the owner who has a vast art collection that they rotate. In review of my lighting design portfolio with my focus on art lighting I was hired.
Now the lighting design became the project priority. The builder was a month away from needing recessed can lighting housings and I had to produce the lighting plans, with lighting specifications, in two weeks.
I met their schedule, lighting was ordered.
To accent art, furnishings and architectural features, the recessed lighting distance placement from the wall is critical. All good lighting designers show in their lighting plans the recessed cans measurements from the walls. This helps the electricians know exactly where to place the art accent lighting.
Once the house is completed, the recessed cans cannot be relocated without creating a mess and extra cost.
I worked with the architect to re-layout the dining room coffered ceiling placement in order to place the lighting according to my lighting plan. All the recessed cans featured ceiling trims with a four inch diameter opening, rotated 360 degrees and a forty-five degree vertical adjustability. Recessed can fixtures must have the ability to adjust. it is the key to accent lighting.
This was the typical lighting approach for all the rooms in the house with art.
Credits:
Client: DES Rogers , AR Contracted JRD
https://www.des3s.com/
Architects : Yeary Lindsey Architects Little Rock, Ar
https://www.yearylindsey.com
Builder: Jack Hartsell Constuction Little Rock, AR
Electrician: Jacobs Electric & Communications LLC
Little Rock, AR

This home is located in an area of Little Rock we call the upper heights by the Little Rock Country Club.
What was difficult about this project, was it had been under construction for one year. The house roof was installed and the rough-in framing almost complete.
On a nice spring day, I just happened to see the builder Jack Hartsell in the front yard. We have worked together on several projects and I inquired as to the status of the interior lighting design. Jack informed me the lighting plans had not been finalized. Jack gave me the architectural firm's name, Lindsey Yeary Architects in Little Rock. I have worked with the firm before but not with this architect, Carolyn Lindsey.
We met and she introduced me to the owner who has a vast art collection that they rotate. In review of my lighting design portfolio with my focus on art lighting I was hired.
Now the lighting design became the project priority. The builder was a month away from needing recessed can lighting housings and I had to produce the lighting plans, with lighting specifications, in two weeks.
I met their schedule, lighting was ordered.
To accent art, furnishings and architectural features, the recessed lighting distance placement from the wall is critical. All good lighting designers show in their lighting plans the recessed cans measurements from the walls. This helps the electricians know exactly where to place the art accent lighting.
Once the house is completed, the recessed cans cannot be relocated without creating a mess and extra cost.
I worked with the architect to re-layout the dining room coffered ceiling placement in order to place the lighting according to my lighting plan. All the recessed cans featured ceiling trims with a four inch diameter opening, rotated 360 degrees and a forty-five degree vertical adjustability. Recessed can fixtures must have the ability to adjust. it is the key to accent lighting.
This was the typical lighting approach for all the rooms in the house with art.
Credits:
Client: DES Rogers , AR Contracted JRD
https://www.des3s.com/
Architects : Yeary Lindsey Architects Little Rock, Ar
https://www.yearylindsey.com
Builder: Jack Hartsell Constuction Little Rock, AR
Electrician: Jacobs Electric & Communications LLC
Little Rock, AR

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing
7RR-Ecohome:
The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together?
The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot.
Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing
7RR-Ecohome:
The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together?
The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot.
Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.
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