During construction, our client notified us of a water leak in their wine cellar (they thought had been caused by our work). After investigation, it was found to be ground-water intrusion. This space was a crawl-space – the prior builder had moved dirt to create it, without addressing the water level or drainage. The home’s post and beam construction, along with non-treated lumber was found buried in the un-removed dirt (this eventually could lead to a major failure). To remedy the dirt was excavated, a new concrete footing installed, and sump pump system and water sensors were installed to address future drainage. The expansive wine collection was saved, and no bottles were harmed during construction.

Melissa Mills photography http://melissammills.weebly.com/
Large elegant kids' white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile alcove bathtub photo in Nashville with an undermount sink, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

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

Connie Anderson Photography
Patio photo in Houston with a roof extension

Example of a classic master carpeted bedroom design in San Francisco with beige walls

Privacy concerns, light control, and UV protection issues are all addressed and solved with these Vignette Tiered top-down/bottom-up shades with the ultra-glide operating system. The elegant draperies with yellows and golds matches their bedding and vignettes and compliments their carpeting as well.

Inspiration for a contemporary landscaping in Houston.

Vivid Interiors It all began with an aqua Terrazo tile as the inspiration for -our client's master bathroom transformation. A master suite built for an Edmonds Queen, with walk-in closet, master bathroom, and 2 vanity areas were included. The project also included updates to her powder room and laundry room- which was relocated to the lower level. This allowed us to reframe her master suite area and create a larger, more dramatic, and very functional master bath. Angled walls made space-planning and reframing a challenging puzzle to solve and we not only had to measure the interior, but the exterior angles as well since we were removing walls. Luckily, the large “wet room” concept met the client’s needs and overcame this obstacle. The new space features a stand-alone tub open showering area, as well as sink vanity, and seated makeup area. Additionally, storage needs were addressed with a wall of cabinetry installed adjacent to the new walk-in closet. A serene color palette and a variety of textures gives this bathroom a spa-like vibe and the aqua highlights repeated in glass accent tiles. Our client enjoys her choice of a walk-in shower or soaking tub with bubbles in the modernized space. Storage was desperately needed, as you can see from the before photos, so the en-suite closet was designed in a linear wall configuration. The original Terrazo tile was used as the vertical accent in the corner of the shower and on the top of the rounded shower bench. Our client held onto her inspiration tile for years while she saved to create a budget worthy of this project and its amenities. Budget is always a consideration, and here our client chose to spoil herself. Some unique design features include: • The angled end of the makeup vanity with shelves for toiletries within easy reach of the tub and hidden view. • The makeup vanity side lighting, seated counter and a convenient laundry chute • The free-standing tub is perfectly positioned to create a direct sight-line through the master bedroom to the Puget Sound views beyond. • Wall-mount waterfall filler and controls at the tub eliminate a bulky floor mount faucet. • An angled countertop and glass shelving add interest between the sink vanity and closet cabinetry. • The toilet is tucked out of sight just past the first tall cabinet. • A glass partition blocks overspray from the shower. She now enjoys a spa like retreat every day!

Contemporary bathroom designed to address aging in place for future wheelchair accessible with cabinet space that easily removes to allow ease of access.. Photgrapher Nat Rea www.natrea.com

Inspiration for a mid-sized country front porch remodel in San Francisco with a roof extension

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

The dressing area where you have all the space to try on your favourite shoes and clothes. The layout of the wardrobe can be tailored to address any specific needs whether in terms of lighting, humidity or any special clothing size.

Large eclectic master ceramic tile and beige floor alcove shower photo in New York with beige walls and a wall-mount sink

This project combines two existing studio apartments into a compact 800 sqft. live/work space for a young professional couple in the heart of Chelsea, New York. The design required some creative space planning to meet the Owner’s requested program for an open plan solution with a private master bedroom suite and separate study that also allowed for entertaining small parties, including the ability to provide a sleeping space for guests. The solution was to identify areas of overlap within the program that could be addressed with dual-function custom millwork pieces. A bar-stool counter at the open kitchen folds out to become a bench and dining table for formal entertaining. A custom desk folds down with a murphy bed to convert a private study into a guest bedroom area. A series of pocket door connecting the spaces provide both privacy to the master bedroom area when closed, and the option for a completely open layout when opened. A carefully selected material palette brings a warm, tranquil feel to the space. Reclaimed teak floors run seamlessly through the main spaces to accentuate the open layout. Warm gray lacquered millwork, Centaurus granite slabs, and custom oxidized stainless steel details, give an elegant counterpoint to the natural teak floors. The master bedroom suite and study feature custom Afromosia millwork. The bathrooms are finished with cool toned ceramic tile, custom Afromosia vanities, and minimalist chrome fixtures. Custom LED lighting provides dynamic, energy efficient illumination throughout. Photography: Mikiko Kikuyama

Exquisitely designed by Closet Factory Houston, this custom walk-in closet features hand-crafted, maple diamond doors that are painted in antique white and glazed in a light grey to accentuate the diamond feature. The island boasts Carrera marble tops and velvet jewelry drawer inserts.

Photo Credit: Jeri Kroegel
Family room - large transitional open concept marble floor family room idea in Los Angeles with gray walls, no fireplace and no tv

Balance Creative
Elegant master dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom photo in Toronto with blue walls and no fireplace

To address our client's needs for a self-contained master suite renovation, we designed a plan that included a sunroom with ample eastern light, built-in bookshelves, and a stunning view of the backyard. Additionally, we created an open bedroom that took advantage of natural light, a master bath with a large standalone shower, soaking tub, and toilet, and a master closet with good lighting, a dressing table, and functional storage.

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