ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Example of a large transitional master gray tile gray floor bathroom design with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, a vessel sink and gray countertops

Hidden Door Wood Bookcase Opening
Large trendy entry hall photo in New York with a dark wood front door

photography by Rob Karosis
Inspiration for a large timeless slate floor foyer remodel in Portland Maine with gray walls and a medium wood front door

This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area that connects to a screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear facing exercise has great views of the rear yard through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below. Builder: DeVries & Onderlinde Builders Interior Designer: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography

Ledge stone quartzite gives texture to the walls. This project is a 2016 National COTY award winner.
Transitional master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile freestanding bathtub photo in Dallas with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops and gray walls

Maritime Cabinetry, brass fixtures, matte black hardware, frameless shower glass with matte black hardware
Example of a large transitional bathroom design in Charlotte

Previously this opening was larger but had no door. We added a barn door for sound control and privacy. Now the wife isn't awakened by night time trips to the toilet! Photo credits by Patricia Bean

Sea-Dar Construction, Studio Dykas, Michael J. Lee Photography
Trendy beige tile doorless shower photo in Boston with an undermount sink

Mid-sized elegant guest ceramic tile bedroom photo in Hawaii with white walls and no fireplace

Matthew Milman
Patio - country patio idea in San Francisco

The Art of Turning a House into a Home Remodeling or custom-creating elements of the home to suit the client’s taste is an art – one of which Bentz has delicately mastered. With careful attention to detail, W.A. Bentz Construction can steer any project in the right direction, from complete interior and exterior home renovations to deck or room additions. Each member of the W.A. Bentz Construction team is licensed, insured and experienced at all facets of home renovations. They can advise on a variety of building topics such as: which projects are likely to increase the value of a home; whether or not a building permit is needed; and which design ideas work well for the space. They also take careful precautions throughout the building process to protect the home and ensure maximum security. With over 35 years of experience plus access to a vast network of top subcontractors in the area, Bentz and his team flawless manage each project so that it’s completed on time, on budget, and to the client’s expectations.

Large trendy open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room photo in Dallas with white walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

The original 48" cased opening that led into the bathroom took up too much wall space and was pulled away from the left wall to provide a straight approach to the new vanity. Since the interior bathroom door was removed, a new pocket door was installed to gain access and privacy to the bathroom for the toilet and shower while not reducing any wall space for furniture.

Picture Perfect House

Greg Powers
Example of a trendy orange floor bedroom design in DC Metro

The full bath and shower off the lake provides easy access to clean up from a full day outdoors. The shower niche tile (seen in mirror reflection) is repeated in the shower floor, and sets above a long linear bench. This clean rustic bathroom is perfect for guests and family.

Bedroom - large mediterranean master dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom idea in Santa Barbara with white walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a huge coastal master beige tile and porcelain tile ceramic tile doorless shower remodel in Seattle with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, blue walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops