The first stage of the renovation was to gut the entire attic and then apply spray foam insulation. As work has been done to different areas of their home, the owners have chosen to insulate with polyurethane foam because it provides the best thermal protection. This makes a notable difference in their older home even with the natural insulating factor of the double brick construction. Since the attic is a place where a significant amount of time is spent year round, choosing spray foam insulation has proven to be a wise choice. The owner says “it’s quite air tight up here so keeping it warm in the winter isn’t a problem. We ran a little infrared heater this winter but needed to shut it off by noon or it was too hot even on the coldest days. On really hot days in the summer, I turn on the small window air conditioner early in the morning and it doesn’t run very much to keep it quite comfortable.” In the overall design of the office, WayMar was able to maximize the usable space which is often a challenge in attics. Even with low slanted ceilings, the office is full of natural light and has an open airy feel with a wonderful view of the neighbourhood’s mature trees. The client is certainly satisfied with the move up from the basement. “There’s just something about working up here that I prefer.” The open concept office also lends to long term flexibility and resale value as the space can easily be converted to a bedroom or recreation room. photo: jeff brubacher

The Glo European Windows A5 Series windows and doors were carefully selected for the Whitefish Residence to support the high performance and modern architectural design of the home. Triple pane glass, a larger continuous thermal break, multiple air seals, and high performance spacers all help to eliminate condensation and heat convection while providing durability to last the lifetime of the building. This higher level of efficiency will also help to keep continued utility costs low and maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year. Large fixed window units mulled together in the field provide sweeping views of the valley and mountains beyond. Full light exterior doors with transom windows above provide natural daylight to penetrate deep into the home. A large lift and slide door opens the living area to the exterior of the home and creates an atmosphere of spaciousness and ethereality. Modern aluminum frames with clean lines paired with stainless steel handles accent the subtle details of the architectural design. Tilt and turn windows throughout the space allow the option of natural ventilation while maintaining clear views of the picturesque landscape.

One of the best ways to add a warm serenity around a pool area is installing a high quality decking structure. Not only aesthetically pleasing but highly functional as well. Thermo Treated Ash decking 120 x 21mm with Rubio Monocoat: Hybrid - Greylook Benefits: 1. Stable geometry. 2. Biological stability. 3. Insects, bugs, larvae won't appear in the wood. 4. No visible surface fixings 5. Reduces timber damage and decay 6. Faster installation 7. Installation over existing timber, sheet floor, battens and concrete 8. No popping Nails for kids to cut their feet on 9. No hammering popping nails to re fix 10. Thermo-treating wood burns, but the positive result consists that the Thermo-treating wood allocates carbonic monoxide less; beneficial to the environment. 11. Finished planks, can stay for a long time in cold shops without heating, wait a long time of departure on the construction site awaiting installation 12. Low thermal conductivity of Thermo-treating wood. 13. "Green" product, environmental friendliness. Photographer: Ettiene Smit

This North Dartmouth, MA homeowner is enjoying her beautiful year round sunroom! After years of wanting a sunny retreat for her home – this customer finally hired Care Free Homes to make that sunroom dream a reality! Featuring Low E Argon, insulated, double pane windows and a scenisunroom dartmouth, mac view of her backyard, the homeowner chose sliding windows (one active and one fixed) to invite a gentle breeze in warmer weather. A single, full view, thermal insulated passage door steps out to the backyard. Trapezoid openings are currently enclosed with insulated foam panels that can be upgraded to insulated glass in the future. Tongue and groove pine panels, installed both vertically and horizontally, were painted white to add a coastal New England flair. Past customers have also added the warmth of wood to their sunroom by opting for beautiful wood plank ceilings. To accommodate the homeowners request for a large sunroom, engineering required the construction of both a conventionally framed asphalt roof and an aluminum clad 6-inch foam filled structural roof panel. The conventionally framed roof is a GAF Timberline HD Lifetime roofing system which boasts a 50 year, factory registered warranty. (Interested in a GAF Timberline HD Lifetime roof? Learn more about the anatomy of a GAF roof with this blog.) This room features a non pro-rated, transferable 50 year structural warranty which adds value to the home by giving the next homeowner the same sense of security.

This Boulder, Colorado remodel by fuentesdesign demonstrates the possibility of renewal in American suburbs, and Passive House design principles. Once an inefficient single story 1,000 square-foot ranch house with a forced air furnace, has been transformed into a two-story, solar powered 2500 square-foot three bedroom home ready for the next generation. The new design for the home is modern with a sustainable theme, incorporating a palette of natural materials including; reclaimed wood finishes, FSC-certified pine Zola windows and doors, and natural earth and lime plasters that soften the interior and crisp contemporary exterior with a flavor of the west. A Ninety-percent efficient energy recovery fresh air ventilation system provides constant filtered fresh air to every room. The existing interior brick was removed and replaced with insulation. The remaining heating and cooling loads are easily met with the highest degree of comfort via a mini-split heat pump, the peak heat load has been cut by a factor of 4, despite the house doubling in size. During the coldest part of the Colorado winter, a wood stove for ambiance and low carbon back up heat creates a special place in both the living and kitchen area, and upstairs loft. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. These windows also provide a seamless indoor/outdoor connection, with 9′ wide folding doors from the dining area and a matching 9′ wide custom countertop folding window that opens the kitchen up to a grassy court where mature trees provide shade and extend the living space during the summer months. With air-tight construction, this home meets the Passive House Retrofit (EnerPHit) air-tightness standard of

This project began with precise field measurements and coordination with the existing roof edge and window layout to ensure clean alignment and proper water management. Our team prepared a custom subframe system designed to support the aluminum composite panel (ACP / ACM) gutter cover while allowing for thermal movement and long-term durability. The aluminum composite panels were fabricated with folded edges and return details to fully conceal fasteners and create sharp, continuous lines along the roof perimeter. During installation, each panel was carefully leveled and aligned to maintain consistent joints and a seamless visual flow across corners and transitions. Special attention was given to edge detailing, underside coverage, and integration with the soffit and wall finishes. The system was installed to protect the gutter assembly, improve water control, and deliver a clean architectural appearance with a low-maintenance aluminum finish. The final result is a durable ACP / ACM gutter cover system that enhances the building’s exterior geometry while providing long-term protection and a refined modern look.

This Boulder, Colorado remodel by fuentesdesign demonstrates the possibility of renewal in American suburbs, and Passive House design principles. Once an inefficient single story 1,000 square-foot ranch house with a forced air furnace, has been transformed into a two-story, solar powered 2500 square-foot three bedroom home ready for the next generation. The new design for the home is modern with a sustainable theme, incorporating a palette of natural materials including; reclaimed wood finishes, FSC-certified pine Zola windows and doors, and natural earth and lime plasters that soften the interior and crisp contemporary exterior with a flavor of the west. A Ninety-percent efficient energy recovery fresh air ventilation system provides constant filtered fresh air to every room. The existing interior brick was removed and replaced with insulation. The remaining heating and cooling loads are easily met with the highest degree of comfort via a mini-split heat pump, the peak heat load has been cut by a factor of 4, despite the house doubling in size. During the coldest part of the Colorado winter, a wood stove for ambiance and low carbon back up heat creates a special place in both the living and kitchen area, and upstairs loft. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. These windows also provide a seamless indoor/outdoor connection, with 9′ wide folding doors from the dining area and a matching 9′ wide custom countertop folding window that opens the kitchen up to a grassy court where mature trees provide shade and extend the living space during the summer months. With air-tight construction, this home meets the Passive House Retrofit (EnerPHit) air-tightness standard of

Emily Hagopian, Leger Wanaselja Architecture
Inspiration for a contemporary full sun rooftop landscaping in San Francisco.

This North Dartmouth, MA homeowner is enjoying her beautiful year round sunroom! After years of wanting a sunny retreat for her home – this customer finally hired Care Free Homes to make that sunroom dream a reality! Featuring Low E Argon, insulated, double pane windows and a scenisunroom dartmouth, mac view of her backyard, the homeowner chose sliding windows (one active and one fixed) to invite a gentle breeze in warmer weather. A single, full view, thermal insulated passage door steps out to the backyard. Trapezoid openings are currently enclosed with insulated foam panels that can be upgraded to insulated glass in the future. Tongue and groove pine panels, installed both vertically and horizontally, were painted white to add a coastal New England flair. Past customers have also added the warmth of wood to their sunroom by opting for beautiful wood plank ceilings. To accommodate the homeowners request for a large sunroom, engineering required the construction of both a conventionally framed asphalt roof and an aluminum clad 6-inch foam filled structural roof panel. The conventionally framed roof is a GAF Timberline HD Lifetime roofing system which boasts a 50 year, factory registered warranty. (Interested in a GAF Timberline HD Lifetime roof? Learn more about the anatomy of a GAF roof with this blog.) This room features a non pro-rated, transferable 50 year structural warranty which adds value to the home by giving the next homeowner the same sense of security.

Outdoor Anti-UV Waterproof Engineered Plastic Wood WPC Flooring Wood Plastic Composite Decking for Floor /Wall Panel/ Fence used WPC(Wood Plastic Composite)is mainly made of natural fibers and plastic. Added with some necessary chemical additive, such as antioxidant, UV stabilizer, lubricants, pigments etc, and produced by professional WPC extruded under the high temperature and pressure, so it is perfectly integrated the advantages of wood with the strong point of plastic. May: The Eco-friendly wood plastic composite we produced is made of:30%-35%HDPE,60%-65%wood powder and 10%chemical additivesThis material is extruded by professional wood-plastic extruding machine under high temperature and pressure,so our WPC has good capacity of UV-resistance and low property of thermal expansion and cool contraction.The WPC outdoor decking we made is much more preferred for outdoor park public places,beauty spot,tourists attractions even indoor stair steps etc.There are lots of types of composite decking,like square hollow decking, round hollow decking and solid decking with different width and thickness, which is good for personal use or commercial use. Please feel free to contact usMayWhatsapp/wechat:+8613823963964Email: maydeckingsupplier@gmail.comSkype:May2018

This home features a unique architectural design that emphasizes texture over color. Throughout the interior and exterior of the home, the materials truly shine. Smooth glass, chunky wood, rough stone, and textured concrete are combined to create a neutral palate that has interest and the feeling of movement. Despite such heavy building materials, the architectural design of the home feels much lighter than the traditional rustic mountain home thanks to expansive windows that flood the interior with natural light and create a connection between the inside of the home and out. This connection between the inside and out creates a true feeling of a mountain escape while the laid-back approach to the design creates a relaxing retreat experience. The A5f series of windows with double pane glazing was selected for the project for the clean and modern aesthetic, the durability of all-aluminum frames, and the ease of installation with integrated nail flange. High-performance spacers, low iron glass, larger continuous thermal breaks, and multiple air seals all contribute to better performance than is seen in traditional aluminum windows. This means that larger expanses of glazing provide the feeling of indoor-outdoor integration while also maintaining comfort and protection from the weather year-round.

Sol-Blanket Insulation (radiant barrier) installed over traditional insulation in the Attic.
Inspiration for a huge exterior home remodel in Seattle

The West Town GreenStar Retrofit is a historic landmarked two-flat in Ukranian Village that was converted to an efficient, healthy, and modern single-family home, while keeping interior and exterior historic character details. Special emphasis was put on indoor air quality and indoor-outdoor connections. The design focuses on non-toxic materials, good ventilation, low energy and water use, and the biophilic health advantages of light and views of nature. The kitchen, work, and family zones have views of the sun-filled south garden, an oasis in the urban environment containing native plants and fruit trees, rain garden, vegetable garden, chicken coop, apiary, and a patio. Outdoor connection and daylighting are also optimized through the skylight on the top level which spills light down the staircase. The energy strategy began with thorough retrofit insulation and air sealing, and included high performance windows and doors, solar thermal (hot water) and solar photovoltaic (electricity production) systems which support electric vehicle (EV) charging and high-efficiency smart lighting and appliances. HVAC is supplied by a combination of radiant heat, mini-split heat pumps, and a conditioning energy recovery ventilation system (CERV).

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Project Designed & Built by: artisansgroup Certifications: Energy Star & Built Green Lvl 4 Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

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.

This home features a unique architectural design that emphasizes texture over color. Throughout the interior and exterior of the home, the materials truly shine. Smooth glass, chunky wood, rough stone, and textured concrete are combined to create a neutral palate that has interest and the feeling of movement. Despite such heavy building materials, the architectural design of the home feels much lighter than the traditional rustic mountain home thanks to expansive windows that flood the interior with natural light and create a connection between the inside of the home and out. This connection between the inside and out creates a true feeling of a mountain escape while the laid-back approach to the design creates a relaxing retreat experience. The A5f series of windows with double pane glazing was selected for the project for the clean and modern aesthetic, the durability of all-aluminum frames, and the ease of installation with integrated nail flange. High-performance spacers, low iron glass, larger continuous thermal breaks, and multiple air seals all contribute to better performance than is seen in traditional aluminum windows. This means that larger expanses of glazing provide the feeling of indoor-outdoor integration while also maintaining comfort and protection from the weather year-round.

This home features a unique architectural design that emphasizes texture over color. Throughout the interior and exterior of the home, the materials truly shine. Smooth glass, chunky wood, rough stone, and textured concrete are combined to create a neutral palate that has interest and the feeling of movement. Despite such heavy building materials, the architectural design of the home feels much lighter than the traditional rustic mountain home thanks to expansive windows that flood the interior with natural light and create a connection between the inside of the home and out. This connection between the inside and out creates a true feeling of a mountain escape while the laid-back approach to the design creates a relaxing retreat experience. The A5f series of windows with double pane glazing was selected for the project for the clean and modern aesthetic, the durability of all-aluminum frames, and the ease of installation with integrated nail flange. High-performance spacers, low iron glass, larger continuous thermal breaks, and multiple air seals all contribute to better performance than is seen in traditional aluminum windows. This means that larger expanses of glazing provide the feeling of indoor-outdoor integration while also maintaining comfort and protection from the weather year-round.

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography