We’ve modernized the classic look of a sliding barn door and virtually eliminated the maintenance by installing Fiberon composite cladding instead of wood. Made from 94% recycled content, these wood-plastic boards are durable and long-lasting, which means lower long-term costs of ownership. Shown here in Ipe from the Horizon collection, the warm wood tones and eye-catching streaking is both dramatic and yet perfectly at home in this natural setting.

Jane Luce
This is an example of a huge eclectic landscaping in DC Metro.

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

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern white tile, mosaic tile and gray tile tub/shower combo remodel in San Francisco with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, solid surface countertops, an undermount tub, white walls, light wood cabinets and a hinged shower door

Mick De Giulio sinks are built to last, fabricated with 16-gauge stainless steel for long term durability. Three stunning single basin sinks with a variety of chef-inspired options add style and functionality to any home. Stainless Steel by Mick De Giulio on KALLISTA.com | http://bit.ly/TyyHIt

Jane L Luce
Inspiration for a huge eclectic full sun rooftop landscaping in DC Metro with decking.

Custom waterfront upgrades featuring pressure-treated wood docks, stone retaining walls, and sleek black metal railings. This project included dock restoration, lakeside patio work, and marine-safe finishes for long-term durability. Designed for both function and lakeside relaxation.

Custom waterfront upgrades featuring pressure-treated wood docks, stone retaining walls, and sleek black metal railings. This project included dock restoration, lakeside patio work, and marine-safe finishes for long-term durability. Designed for both function and lakeside relaxation.

Designed by RLA Architects and custom built by Mantell-Hecathorn Builders, this home obtained a NAHB Green Building Gold Level certification- it was the second such certification in Southwest Colorado. A HERS rating of 61 will save the homeowner an estimated 39% in utility costs as well as create a healthier, more comfortable and durable home.Attention to detail is evident in the finish work and the long-term durability construction techniques of Mantell-Hecathorn Builders

Farmhouse brick floor kitchen pantry photo in Houston with open cabinets and beige cabinets

Island-mounted kitchen sink in this Lakewood, Colorado mountain-modern remodel, set into a durable Dekton countertop and surrounded by weathered cherry cabinetry, providing a functional prep zone designed for daily family use and long-term durability.

Custom waterfront upgrades featuring pressure-treated wood docks, stone retaining walls, and sleek black metal railings. This project included dock restoration, lakeside patio work, and marine-safe finishes for long-term durability. Designed for both function and lakeside relaxation.

Jane L Luce
Design ideas for a huge eclectic full sun rooftop landscaping in DC Metro with decking.

Douglas Johnson Photography
Inspiration for a timeless split-level wood brown patio remodel in San Francisco with no cover and a fireplace

Our team transformed this home with a fresh, high-quality exterior paint job, enhancing its curb appeal and long-term durability. Using premium, weather-resistant paint, we ensured a flawless finish that complements the home’s architecture and surroundings. The result? A stunning, refreshed exterior that stands the test of time.

The project involved installing James Hardie board and batten panels, creating strong vertical lines that complement the home’s multi-story design. The fiber-cement material provides excellent resistance to moisture, heat, and pests—making it ideal for Gulf Coast conditions. The finished result is a clean, durable exterior that elevates the home’s curb appeal while delivering long-term performance and low maintenance.

Designed and constructed a premium custom interlock driveway, including professional excavation, engineered base preparation, precision paver installation, and meticulous finishing. Built for exceptional curb appeal, durability, and long-term performance.

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