- Installation Type: Floating / Glue Down - Edge type: square edge (seamless floor) - Finish: Three coats German water based polyurethane - Made with formaldehyde free adhesives - 25 year warranty (residential installation) - Underlayment not required - Hypo-allergenic - Healthy alternative to carpet - Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation - Stain resistant - Naturally resistant to insects, mould, mildew due to anti-microbial properties - Low slip surface - Excellent surface for seniors, children or people suffering from arthritis or joint pain *** Price for glue down tile: $2.29/sqft *** Price for floating floor: $2.29/sqft Order FREE SAMPLES on our website: www.icorkfloor.com

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

Situated in the heart of Charlotte, this contemporary home is part of the ReAlta neighborhood. ReAlta is the first solar community in Charlotte, NC. The ReFresh plan boasts an expansive rooftop deck, a private master suite at the back of the home, a light and airy front office and more windows than we can count. What the homeowners love: Huge energy savings from the solar & energy saving build process Super quiet interior rooms (from the insulated interior walls) Large windows placed for optimal sunlight and privacy from the neighbors Smart home system that's part of the house Low, low utility bills (resulting from the solar and the home's thermal envelope) ReFresh is a 3 bed, 2.5 bath home and is 2,450 square feet. With ReAlta, we are introducing for the first time in Charlotte a fully solar community. Each beautifully detailed home will incorporate low profile solar panels that will collect the sun’s rays to significantly offset the home’s energy usage. Combined with our industry-leading Home Efficiency Ratings (HERS), these solar systems will save a ReAlta homeowner thousands over the life of the home. Credit: Brendan Kahm

Situated in the heart of Charlotte, this contemporary home is part of the ReAlta neighborhood. ReAlta is the first solar community in Charlotte, NC. This ReCharge plan boasts an expansive rooftop deck, a lovely covered rear porch, a private first-floor master suite at the back of the home, a light and airy front office and more windows than we can count. What the homeowners love: Huge energy savings from the solar & energy saving build process Super quiet interior rooms (from the insulated interior walls) Large windows placed for optimal sunlight and privacy from the neighbors Smart home system that's part of the house Low, low utility bills (resulting from the solar and the home's thermal envelope) ReCharge is a 4 bed, 4.5 bath home and is 2,825 square feet. With ReAlta, we are introducing for the first time in Charlotte a fully solar community. Each beautifully detailed home will incorporate low profile solar panels that will collect the sun’s rays to significantly offset the home’s energy usage. Combined with our industry-leading Home Efficiency Ratings (HERS), these solar systems will save a ReAlta homeowner thousands over the life of the home. Credit: Brendan Kahm

Jim Brady A modern Mediterranean project, panoramic ocean view with Persian architecture and Frank Loyd wright inspiration. Designed based on passive solar design. lots of daylights, cross ventilation in all rooms, pyramid ceiling and pyramid skylights, stone flooring as thermal mass to moderate temperature. use of wind catcher to prevent mold and moisture issues on the basement. Water efficient landscaping was used through out. privacy and shade was provided.energy efficient and comfortable home. energy star appliance and HVAC. solar panel, solar water heater and instant water heater were used.

Hall way to kitchen Photos by Jim Brady A modern Mediterranean project, panoramic ocean view with Persian architecture and Frank Loyd wright inspiration. Designed based on passive solar design. lots of daylights, cross ventilation in all rooms, pyramid ceiling and pyramid skylights, stone flooring as thermal mass to moderate temperature. use of wind catcher to prevent mold and moisture issues on the basement. Water efficient landscaping was used through out. privacy and shade was provided.energy efficient and comfortable home. energy star appliance and HVAC. solar panel, solar water heater and instant water heater were used.

Porch Conversion provided materials and labor for the demolition and construction for this entire project, including all prep work and removal/disposal of all debris. This project included: 1. 4-inch thermally broken, aluminum framing 2. 36-inch Prime Full View Door with a Transom 3. Widows with 4-inch Temcor frames with window load rated at 150 MPH and a DP rating of 60 for a 6'x6' Horizontal Slider. 4. Glass that is Low E_366, Energy Star rated, dual pane argon gas filled and tempered to code 5. Clear View material screens 6. 3 outlets installed to code 7. 220 square-feet of R30 insulation in the ceiling

Photos by Erika Bierman www.erikabiermanphotography.com
Example of a classic kitchen design in Los Angeles

If you are planning to build or renovate a pool house for the upcoming season, be sure to include an ActivWall Gas Strut Window in your design. Contact us for a quote, and our team will help add some #WowFactor to your backyard! This unit, located in central Virginia, measures 96″ wide by 48″ high. The thermally-broken aluminum frame is finished in a white powder coat with a saddle sill. The glass used for this unit is Insulated LowE 366.

- Installation Type: Floating / Glue Down - Edge type: square edge (seamless floor) - Finish: Three coats German water based polyurethane - Made with formaldehyde free adhesives - 25 year warranty (residential installation) - Underlayment not required - Hypo-allergenic - Healthy alternative to carpet - Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation - Stain resistant - Naturally resistant to insects, mould, mildew due to anti-microbial prosperities - Low slip surface - Excellent surface for seniors, children or people suffering from arthritis or joint pain *** The price for glue down tile is $2.29/sqft Order FREE SAMPLES on our website: www.icorkfloor.com

- Installation Type: Floating / Glue Down - Edge type: square edge (seamless floor) - Finish: Three coats German water based polyurethane - Made with formaldehyde free adhesives - 25 year warranty (residential installation) - Underlayment not required - Hypo-allergenic - Healthy alternative to carpet - Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation - Stain resistant - Naturally resistant to insects, mould, mildew due to anti-microbial prosperities - Low slip surface - Excellent surface for seniors, children or people suffering from arthritis or joint pain *** The price for glue down tile is $2.29/sqft Order FREE SAMPLES on our website: www.icorkfloor.com

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

Before - original space was small, confining, outdated, and thermally inefficient. After - a larger, inviting space with industry-leading Sunspace Vertical Stacking Window System; custom insulated floor; custom insulated vaulted wood ceiling; high velocity, low speed ceiling fan; larger aluminum deck.

The differences between conventional and ENERGY STAR certified cool roofs are huge: 142 degrees Fahrenheit in April in the morning vs. 115 degrees F. We improved thermal comfort for 3rd floor and all other residents. We dropped the temperature for roof-mounted solar modules (electronics like cold). We reduced the temperature for rainwater harvested so we're less likely to scald the edible landscaping. We extended the life of the building. And, much more.

Beautiful thermally broken steel lift and slide doors with low iron extra clear triple pane glass, simulated divided lights and custom bronze Rocky Mountain Hardware. Photo courtesy of Kevin Syms Photography

Installed custom 100% virgin vinyl double paned windows with low-e and argon, jumbo 6" seamless gutters and 3"x4" downspouts, and 100% virgin vinyl siding with Barricade house wrap and form fitting progressive foam insulation.

Modern, Transitional, energy efficient Project in La Jolla with Panoramic views from almost every rooms. Photos by Jim Brady A modern Mediterranean project, panoramic ocean view with Persian architecture and Frank Loyd wright inspiration. Designed based on passive solar design. lots of daylights, cross ventilation in all rooms, pyramid ceiling and pyramid skylights, stone flooring as thermal mass to moderate temperature. use of wind catcher to prevent mold and moisture issues on the basement. Water efficient landscaping was used through out. privacy and shade was provided.energy efficient and comfortable home. energy star appliance and HVAC. solar panel, solar water heater and instant water heater were used.

Patio - craftsman patio idea in Seattle

This beautiful Craftsman style Passive House has a carbon footprint 20% that of a typically built home in Oregon. Its 12-in. thick walls with cork insulation, ultra-high efficiency windows and doors, solar panels, heat pump hot water, Energy Star appliances, fresh air intake unit, and natural daylighting keep its utility bills exceptionally low.