Whole house reconstruction from the exterior.
Small 1960s beige one-story stucco flat roof photo in Ottawa

The Estate by Build Prestige Homes is a grand acreage property featuring a magnificent, impressively built main residence, pool house, guest house and tennis pavilion all custom designed and quality constructed by Build Prestige Homes, specifically for our wonderful client. Set on 14 acres of private countryside, the result is an impressive, palatial, classic American style estate that is expansive in space, rich in detailing and features glamourous, traditional interior fittings. All of the finishes, selections, features and design detail was specified and carefully selected by Build Prestige Homes in consultation with our client to curate a timeless, relaxed elegance throughout this home and property. Build Prestige Homes oriented and designed the home to ensure the main living area, kitchen, covered alfresco areas and master bedroom benefitted from the warm, beautiful morning sun and ideal aspects of the property. Build Prestige Homes detailed and specified expansive, high quality timber bi-fold doors and windows to take advantage of the property including the views across the manicured grass and gardens facing towards the resort sized pool, guest house and pool house. The guest and pool house are easily accessible by the main residence via a covered walkway, but far enough away to provide privacy. All of the internal and external finishes were selected by Build Prestige Homes to compliment the classic American aesthetic of the home. Natural, granite stone walls was used throughout the landscape design and to external feature walls of the home, pool house fireplace and chimney, property boundary gates and outdoor living areas. Natural limestone floor tiles in a subtle caramel tone were laid in a modular pattern and professionally sealed for a durable, classic, timeless appeal. Clay roof tiles with a flat profile were selected for their simplicity and elegance in a modern slate colour. Linea fibre cement cladding weather board combined with fibre cement accent trims was used on the external walls and around the windows and doors as it provides distinctive charm from the deep shadow of the linea. Custom designed and hand carved arbours with beautiful, classic curved rafters ends was installed off the formal living area and guest house. The quality timber windows and doors have all been painted white and feature traditional style glazing bars to suit the style of home. The Estate has been planned and designed to meet the needs of a growing family across multiple generations who regularly host great family gatherings. As the overall design, liveability, orientation, accessibility, innovative technology and timeless appeal have been considered and maximised, the Estate will be a place for this family to call home for decades to come.

The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

The Estate by Build Prestige Homes is a grand acreage property featuring a magnificent, impressively built main residence, pool house, guest house and tennis pavilion all custom designed and quality constructed by Build Prestige Homes, specifically for our wonderful client. Set on 14 acres of private countryside, the result is an impressive, palatial, classic American style estate that is expansive in space, rich in detailing and features glamourous, traditional interior fittings. All of the finishes, selections, features and design detail was specified and carefully selected by Build Prestige Homes in consultation with our client to curate a timeless, relaxed elegance throughout this home and property. Build Prestige Homes oriented and designed the home to ensure the main living area, kitchen, covered alfresco areas and master bedroom benefitted from the warm, beautiful morning sun and ideal aspects of the property. Build Prestige Homes detailed and specified expansive, high quality timber bi-fold doors and windows to take advantage of the property including the views across the manicured grass and gardens facing towards the resort sized pool, guest house and pool house. The guest and pool house are easily accessible by the main residence via a covered walkway, but far enough away to provide privacy. All of the internal and external finishes were selected by Build Prestige Homes to compliment the classic American aesthetic of the home. Natural, granite stone walls was used throughout the landscape design and to external feature walls of the home, pool house fireplace and chimney, property boundary gates and outdoor living areas. Natural limestone floor tiles in a subtle caramel tone were laid in a modular pattern and professionally sealed for a durable, classic, timeless appeal. Clay roof tiles with a flat profile were selected for their simplicity and elegance in a modern slate colour. Linea fibre cement cladding weather board combined with fibre cement accent trims was used on the external walls and around the windows and doors as it provides distinctive charm from the deep shadow of the linea. Custom designed and hand carved arbours with beautiful, classic curved rafters ends was installed off the formal living area and guest house. The quality timber windows and doors have all been painted white and feature traditional style glazing bars to suit the style of home. The Estate has been planned and designed to meet the needs of a growing family across multiple generations who regularly host great family gatherings. As the overall design, liveability, orientation, accessibility, innovative technology and timeless appeal have been considered and maximised, the Estate will be a place for this family to call home for decades to come.

The Estate by Build Prestige Homes is a grand acreage property featuring a magnificent, impressively built main residence, pool house, guest house and tennis pavilion all custom designed and quality constructed by Build Prestige Homes, specifically for our wonderful client. Set on 14 acres of private countryside, the result is an impressive, palatial, classic American style estate that is expansive in space, rich in detailing and features glamourous, traditional interior fittings. All of the finishes, selections, features and design detail was specified and carefully selected by Build Prestige Homes in consultation with our client to curate a timeless, relaxed elegance throughout this home and property. Build Prestige Homes oriented and designed the home to ensure the main living area, kitchen, covered alfresco areas and master bedroom benefitted from the warm, beautiful morning sun and ideal aspects of the property. Build Prestige Homes detailed and specified expansive, high quality timber bi-fold doors and windows to take advantage of the property including the views across the manicured grass and gardens facing towards the resort sized pool, guest house and pool house. The guest and pool house are easily accessible by the main residence via a covered walkway, but far enough away to provide privacy. All of the internal and external finishes were selected by Build Prestige Homes to compliment the classic American aesthetic of the home. Natural, granite stone walls was used throughout the landscape design and to external feature walls of the home, pool house fireplace and chimney, property boundary gates and outdoor living areas. Natural limestone floor tiles in a subtle caramel tone were laid in a modular pattern and professionally sealed for a durable, classic, timeless appeal. Clay roof tiles with a flat profile were selected for their simplicity and elegance in a modern slate colour. Linea fibre cement cladding weather board combined with fibre cement accent trims was used on the external walls and around the windows and doors as it provides distinctive charm from the deep shadow of the linea. Custom designed and hand carved arbours with beautiful, classic curved rafters ends was installed off the formal living area and guest house. The quality timber windows and doors have all been painted white and feature traditional style glazing bars to suit the style of home. The Estate has been planned and designed to meet the needs of a growing family across multiple generations who regularly host great family gatherings. As the overall design, liveability, orientation, accessibility, innovative technology and timeless appeal have been considered and maximised, the Estate will be a place for this family to call home for decades to come.

Not only does this kitchen benefit from a new open floorplan, the new cabinets and finishes create an updated, modern look. Shortening the windows in the kitchen and dining room allowed for expanded cabinetry storage.

The Estate by Build Prestige Homes is a grand acreage property featuring a magnificent, impressively built main residence, pool house, guest house and tennis pavilion all custom designed and quality constructed by Build Prestige Homes, specifically for our wonderful client. Set on 14 acres of private countryside, the result is an impressive, palatial, classic American style estate that is expansive in space, rich in detailing and features glamourous, traditional interior fittings. All of the finishes, selections, features and design detail was specified and carefully selected by Build Prestige Homes in consultation with our client to curate a timeless, relaxed elegance throughout this home and property. Build Prestige Homes oriented and designed the home to ensure the main living area, kitchen, covered alfresco areas and master bedroom benefitted from the warm, beautiful morning sun and ideal aspects of the property. Build Prestige Homes detailed and specified expansive, high quality timber bi-fold doors and windows to take advantage of the property including the views across the manicured grass and gardens facing towards the resort sized pool, guest house and pool house. The guest and pool house are easily accessible by the main residence via a covered walkway, but far enough away to provide privacy. All of the internal and external finishes were selected by Build Prestige Homes to compliment the classic American aesthetic of the home. Natural, granite stone walls was used throughout the landscape design and to external feature walls of the home, pool house fireplace and chimney, property boundary gates and outdoor living areas. Natural limestone floor tiles in a subtle caramel tone were laid in a modular pattern and professionally sealed for a durable, classic, timeless appeal. Clay roof tiles with a flat profile were selected for their simplicity and elegance in a modern slate colour. Linea fibre cement cladding weather board combined with fibre cement accent trims was used on the external walls and around the windows and doors as it provides distinctive charm from the deep shadow of the linea. Custom designed and hand carved arbours with beautiful, classic curved rafters ends was installed off the formal living area and guest house. The quality timber windows and doors have all been painted white and feature traditional style glazing bars to suit the style of home. The Estate has been planned and designed to meet the needs of a growing family across multiple generations who regularly host great family gatherings. As the overall design, liveability, orientation, accessibility, innovative technology and timeless appeal have been considered and maximised, the Estate will be a place for this family to call home for decades to come.

The Estate by Build Prestige Homes is a grand acreage property featuring a magnificent, impressively built main residence, pool house, guest house and tennis pavilion all custom designed and quality constructed by Build Prestige Homes, specifically for our wonderful client. Set on 14 acres of private countryside, the result is an impressive, palatial, classic American style estate that is expansive in space, rich in detailing and features glamourous, traditional interior fittings. All of the finishes, selections, features and design detail was specified and carefully selected by Build Prestige Homes in consultation with our client to curate a timeless, relaxed elegance throughout this home and property. Build Prestige Homes oriented and designed the home to ensure the main living area, kitchen, covered alfresco areas and master bedroom benefitted from the warm, beautiful morning sun and ideal aspects of the property. Build Prestige Homes detailed and specified expansive, high quality timber bi-fold doors and windows to take advantage of the property including the views across the manicured grass and gardens facing towards the resort sized pool, guest house and pool house. The guest and pool house are easily accessible by the main residence via a covered walkway, but far enough away to provide privacy. All of the internal and external finishes were selected by Build Prestige Homes to compliment the classic American aesthetic of the home. Natural, granite stone walls was used throughout the landscape design and to external feature walls of the home, pool house fireplace and chimney, property boundary gates and outdoor living areas. Natural limestone floor tiles in a subtle caramel tone were laid in a modular pattern and professionally sealed for a durable, classic, timeless appeal. Clay roof tiles with a flat profile were selected for their simplicity and elegance in a modern slate colour. Linea fibre cement cladding weather board combined with fibre cement accent trims was used on the external walls and around the windows and doors as it provides distinctive charm from the deep shadow of the linea. Custom designed and hand carved arbours with beautiful, classic curved rafters ends was installed off the formal living area and guest house. The quality timber windows and doors have all been painted white and feature traditional style glazing bars to suit the style of home. The Estate has been planned and designed to meet the needs of a growing family across multiple generations who regularly host great family gatherings. As the overall design, liveability, orientation, accessibility, innovative technology and timeless appeal have been considered and maximised, the Estate will be a place for this family to call home for decades to come.

The Estate by Build Prestige Homes is a grand acreage property featuring a magnificent, impressively built main residence, pool house, guest house and tennis pavilion all custom designed and quality constructed by Build Prestige Homes, specifically for our wonderful client. Set on 14 acres of private countryside, the result is an impressive, palatial, classic American style estate that is expansive in space, rich in detailing and features glamourous, traditional interior fittings. All of the finishes, selections, features and design detail was specified and carefully selected by Build Prestige Homes in consultation with our client to curate a timeless, relaxed elegance throughout this home and property. Build Prestige Homes oriented and designed the home to ensure the main living area, kitchen, covered alfresco areas and master bedroom benefitted from the warm, beautiful morning sun and ideal aspects of the property. Build Prestige Homes detailed and specified expansive, high quality timber bi-fold doors and windows to take advantage of the property including the views across the manicured grass and gardens facing towards the resort sized pool, guest house and pool house. The guest and pool house are easily accessible by the main residence via a covered walkway, but far enough away to provide privacy. All of the internal and external finishes were selected by Build Prestige Homes to compliment the classic American aesthetic of the home. Natural, granite stone walls was used throughout the landscape design and to external feature walls of the home, pool house fireplace and chimney, property boundary gates and outdoor living areas. Natural limestone floor tiles in a subtle caramel tone were laid in a modular pattern and professionally sealed for a durable, classic, timeless appeal. Clay roof tiles with a flat profile were selected for their simplicity and elegance in a modern slate colour. Linea fibre cement cladding weather board combined with fibre cement accent trims was used on the external walls and around the windows and doors as it provides distinctive charm from the deep shadow of the linea. Custom designed and hand carved arbours with beautiful, classic curved rafters ends was installed off the formal living area and guest house. The quality timber windows and doors have all been painted white and feature traditional style glazing bars to suit the style of home. The Estate has been planned and designed to meet the needs of a growing family across multiple generations who regularly host great family gatherings. As the overall design, liveability, orientation, accessibility, innovative technology and timeless appeal have been considered and maximised, the Estate will be a place for this family to call home for decades to come.

The Estate by Build Prestige Homes is a grand acreage property featuring a magnificent, impressively built main residence, pool house, guest house and tennis pavilion all custom designed and quality constructed by Build Prestige Homes, specifically for our wonderful client. Set on 14 acres of private countryside, the result is an impressive, palatial, classic American style estate that is expansive in space, rich in detailing and features glamourous, traditional interior fittings. All of the finishes, selections, features and design detail was specified and carefully selected by Build Prestige Homes in consultation with our client to curate a timeless, relaxed elegance throughout this home and property. Build Prestige Homes oriented and designed the home to ensure the main living area, kitchen, covered alfresco areas and master bedroom benefitted from the warm, beautiful morning sun and ideal aspects of the property. Build Prestige Homes detailed and specified expansive, high quality timber bi-fold doors and windows to take advantage of the property including the views across the manicured grass and gardens facing towards the resort sized pool, guest house and pool house. The guest and pool house are easily accessible by the main residence via a covered walkway, but far enough away to provide privacy. All of the internal and external finishes were selected by Build Prestige Homes to compliment the classic American aesthetic of the home. Natural, granite stone walls was used throughout the landscape design and to external feature walls of the home, pool house fireplace and chimney, property boundary gates and outdoor living areas. Natural limestone floor tiles in a subtle caramel tone were laid in a modular pattern and professionally sealed for a durable, classic, timeless appeal. Clay roof tiles with a flat profile were selected for their simplicity and elegance in a modern slate colour. Linea fibre cement cladding weather board combined with fibre cement accent trims was used on the external walls and around the windows and doors as it provides distinctive charm from the deep shadow of the linea. Custom designed and hand carved arbours with beautiful, classic curved rafters ends was installed off the formal living area and guest house. The quality timber windows and doors have all been painted white and feature traditional style glazing bars to suit the style of home. The Estate has been planned and designed to meet the needs of a growing family across multiple generations who regularly host great family gatherings. As the overall design, liveability, orientation, accessibility, innovative technology and timeless appeal have been considered and maximised, the Estate will be a place for this family to call home for decades to come.

Photo: Carolyn Reyes © 2015 Houzz Family Room, main house Design team: Surfaces USA
Inspiration for a timeless family room remodel in Los Angeles

The island is packed with tons of additional storage, as well as a Sharp microwave drawer with flip display. Wickham red oak hardwood from the "Domestic" collection in a "Walnut" satin finish gives the entire Main Level a new feel with the added benefit it is durable for the family dog who also happens to be the same color! Behind the island, the wall was opened up between the Kitchen and relocated Dining Room which adds to the open feel of the remodeled Main Level.

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/

This medium sized bathroom had ample space to create a luxurious bathroom for this young professional couple with 3 young children. My clients really wanted a place to unplug and relax where they could retreat and recharge. New cabinets were a must with customized interiors to reduce cluttered counter tops and make morning routines easier and more organized. We selected Hale Navy for the painted finish with an upscale recessed panel door. Honey bronze hardware is a nice contrast to the navy paint instead of an expected brushed silver. For storage, a grooming center to organize hair dryer, curling iron and brushes keeps everything in place for morning routines. On the opposite, a pull-out organizer outfitted with trays for smaller personal items keeps everything at the fingertips. I included a pull-out hamper to keep laundry and towels off the floor. Another design detail I like to include is drawers in the sink cabinets. It is much better to have drawers notched for the plumbing when organizing bathroom products instead of filling up a large base cabinet. The room already had beautiful windows and was bathed in naturel light from an existing skylight. I enhanced the natural lighting with some recessed can lights, a light in the shower as well as sconces around the mirrored medicine cabinets. The best thing about the medicine cabinets is not only the additional storage but when both doors are opened you can see the back of your head. The inside of the cabinet doors are mirrored. Honey Bronze sconces are perfect lighting at the vanity for makeup and shaving. A larger shower for my very tall client with a built-in bench was a priority for this bathroom. I recommend stream showers whenever designing a bathroom and my client loved the idea of that feature as a surprise for his wife. Steam adds to the wellness and health aspect of any good bathroom design. We were able to access a small closet space just behind the shower a perfect spot for the steam unit. In addition to the steam, a handheld shower is another “standard” item in our shower designs. I like to locate these near a bench so you can sit while you target sore shoulder and back muscles. Another benefit is cleanability of the shower walls and being able to take a quick shower without getting your hair wet. The slide bar is just the thing to accommodate different heights. For Mrs. a tub for soaking and relaxing were the main ingredients required for this remodel. Here I specified a Bain Ultra freestanding tub complete with air massage, chromatherapy and a heated back rest. The tub filer is floor mounted and adds another element of elegance to the bath. I located the tub in a bay window so the bather can enjoy the beautiful view out of the window. It is also a great way to relax after a round of golf. Either way, both of my clients can enjoy the benefits of this tub. The tiles selected for the shower and the lower walls of the bathroom are a slightly oversized subway tile in a clean and bright white. The floors are a 12x24 porcelain marble. The shower floor features a flat cut marble pebble tile. Behind the vanity the wall is tiled with Zellage tile in a herringbone pattern. The colors of the tile connect all the colors used in the bath. The final touches of elegance and luxury to complete our design, the soft lilac paint on the walls, the mix of metal materials on the faucets, cabinet hardware, lighting and yes, an oversized heated towel warmer complete with robe hooks. This truly is a space for rejuvenation and wellness.

A master suite was added onto this idyllic farmhouse located in Fountain Inn, SC near Greenville. The addition provided a master suite on the main level of the home with a vaulted master bedroom with clerestory dormer windows, vaulted master bathroom with a central freestanding tub set in a framed alcove in front of a gorgeous picture window and crowned with a shimmering chandelier. An oversized marble tile shower with glass enclosure, tile niches and a bench seat flanks the tub on one side and is opposite and enclosed water closet with transom lites. Separate sink vanities allow for comfort and a seated make-up vanity is perfectly placed at the window for natural lighting. The hall leading to the master bathroom retreat is flanked by separate walk-in closets and has recessed pocket doors with transom lites. The suite has it's own vestibule providing the perfect transition area and access to the new study and half bath. The study was once part of a wrap-around porch and still benefits from the existing stone veneer chimney that was intentionally left exposed. The vaulted, yet intimate space is perfect for relaxing, reading, watching tv and conducting business. A paneled trophy wall adorns the wall opposite the stone chimney and provides a home for hunting trophies and cherished works of art. The powder room has a beautiful rustic barn door with circular saw marks and forged door hardware. A decorative open vanity with vessel sink and beaded chandelier add character and class. Kimberly Kerl, Kustom Home Design

Photography by Natalie Marotta Bungalows are lovable homes, but how can they be better? Along with many of our clients, we find that older (early 20th c.) homes have a lot of character and a comfortable scale, but are leaky, damp (especially in the basement), have fair to poor air quality, and use unconscionable amounts of fossil fuels to heat. The owners of this bungalow were ready to change that, and wanted to do so with minimal upfront carbon emissions as well. The gut renovation included replacing the basement slab and providing capillary breaks and insulation continuously below grade. The brick structure was treated with a fluid-applied air and water barrier from the interior and insulated entirely with cellulose, a carbon-storing insulation. The roof used HFO-blown spray foam to provide sufficient insulation while allowing headroom for bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry. One great benefit of a full renovation is the possibility of reconfiguring spaces to suit the family’s lifestyle, and to make the best of indoor-outdoor connections. We opened up the main rooms on the first floor, creating a family gathering spot with a view to the back yard, and a spacious kitchen that supports the family’s commitment to cooking for healthy eating. The stair uses a north-facing skylight to bring light from above into the middle of the home, where it was previously dark. As a decarbonization retrofit, the inefficient furnace was replaced with two small ducted heat pump systems, water heating and clothes drying are powered by air-source heat pumps, and cooking uses an induction cooktop plus electric ovens. Energy recovery ventilation provides filtered fresh air continuous exhaust from the kitchen, baths, and laundry, and supplies fresh, highly filtered air to bedrooms and living spaces. The Better Bungalow now makes sense for the 21st century–it now fits the owners’ life-patterns, is super comfortable, has great air quality, and uses a fraction of the energy it did before, greatly lowering the demand on the utility grid. In the near future, when solar PV is installed, it can achieve net zero or near net zero emissions, and with battery backup, can provide great resilience in the event of power outages.

This medium sized bathroom had ample space to create a luxurious bathroom for this young professional couple with 3 young children. My clients really wanted a place to unplug and relax where they could retreat and recharge. New cabinets were a must with customized interiors to reduce cluttered counter tops and make morning routines easier and more organized. We selected Hale Navy for the painted finish with an upscale recessed panel door. Honey bronze hardware is a nice contrast to the navy paint instead of an expected brushed silver. For storage, a grooming center to organize hair dryer, curling iron and brushes keeps everything in place for morning routines. On the opposite, a pull-out organizer outfitted with trays for smaller personal items keeps everything at the fingertips. I included a pull-out hamper to keep laundry and towels off the floor. Another design detail I like to include is drawers in the sink cabinets. It is much better to have drawers notched for the plumbing when organizing bathroom products instead of filling up a large base cabinet. The room already had beautiful windows and was bathed in naturel light from an existing skylight. I enhanced the natural lighting with some recessed can lights, a light in the shower as well as sconces around the mirrored medicine cabinets. The best thing about the medicine cabinets is not only the additional storage but when both doors are opened you can see the back of your head. The inside of the cabinet doors are mirrored. Honey Bronze sconces are perfect lighting at the vanity for makeup and shaving. A larger shower for my very tall client with a built-in bench was a priority for this bathroom. I recommend stream showers whenever designing a bathroom and my client loved the idea of that feature as a surprise for his wife. Steam adds to the wellness and health aspect of any good bathroom design. We were able to access a small closet space just behind the shower a perfect spot for the steam unit. In addition to the steam, a handheld shower is another “standard” item in our shower designs. I like to locate these near a bench so you can sit while you target sore shoulder and back muscles. Another benefit is cleanability of the shower walls and being able to take a quick shower without getting your hair wet. The slide bar is just the thing to accommodate different heights. For Mrs. a tub for soaking and relaxing were the main ingredients required for this remodel. Here I specified a Bain Ultra freestanding tub complete with air massage, chromatherapy and a heated back rest. The tub filer is floor mounted and adds another element of elegance to the bath. I located the tub in a bay window so the bather can enjoy the beautiful view out of the window. It is also a great way to relax after a round of golf. Either way, both of my clients can enjoy the benefits of this tub. The tiles selected for the shower and the lower walls of the bathroom are a slightly oversized subway tile in a clean and bright white. The floors are a 12x24 porcelain marble. The shower floor features a flat cut marble pebble tile. Behind the vanity the wall is tiled with Zellage tile in a herringbone pattern. The colors of the tile connect all the colors used in the bath. The final touches of elegance and luxury to complete our design, the soft lilac paint on the walls, the mix of metal materials on the faucets, cabinet hardware, lighting and yes, an oversized heated towel warmer complete with robe hooks. This truly is a space for rejuvenation and wellness.

This light and airy laundry room/mudroom beckons you with beautiful white capiz seashell pendant lights, custom floor to ceiling cabinetry with crown molding, raised washer and dryer with storage underneath, coat, backpack and shoe storage.

This vegetable garden is laid out on rectilinear lines with paths creating a cross-axis. The main path is flanked by raised beds and ornamented by a gateway at each end. The gateways themselves draw the eye through and perhaps out of the garden, but mixed plantings adding colour and texture to the beds invites the viewer to stay and spend some time looking around and enjoying how rich a garden filled with edibles can be.