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

Hallway - traditional hallway idea in Houston

Before- Builder grade flooring, vanity and fixtures.
Small minimalist master gray tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and gray floor alcove shower photo in Philadelphia with raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, quartz countertops and white countertops

Example of a classic dining room design in Houston

Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Houston

From builder-grade to custom! This primary bathroom got a major refresh that included a rain head shower and the addition of a water closet.
Small trendy master white tile ceramic tile, black floor and double-sink doorless shower photo in Portland with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, multicolored countertops and a floating vanity

Master bathroom has frameless stain grade alder cabinets with odessa style doors, soft close hinges, adjustable clips and a GFI docking drawer. shower grout is tobacco brown #52, shower walls are islandia lanai glossy, floor is shibusa tortura rhomboid and niche is st harvest melange

This deck has a continual radius edge that had to be matched even in the bench sections at the stairs. The wood is a vertical grain A grade cedar and tight knot on the risers. No steaming or laminating were needed on this deck. By Westbrook Restorations Master Carpenter services.

Master Bathroom. Window between vanity bowls.
Bathroom - craftsman bathroom idea

Master bathroom has frameless stain grade alder cabinets with odessa style doors, soft close hinges, adjustable clips and a GFI docking drawer. shower grout is tobacco brown #52, shower walls are islandia lanai glossy, floor is shibusa tortura rhomboid and niche is st harvest melange

Example of a classic staircase design in Houston

Tim Vrieling
Large transitional master white tile and stone slab marble floor and white floor freestanding bathtub photo in Orange County with recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble countertops, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door

Immersed in the challenge of refining a builder-grade master bathroom, my focus on minimalism and serenity became paramount. Every design decision was a brushstroke, aimed at elevating the space into a spa-like retreat that transcends the ordinary. With meticulous attention, neutral tones, clean lines, and purposeful design choices converged to redefine the essence of this intimate haven. The project unfolded as a dialogue between the serene waterfront surroundings and the nuances of minimalist aesthetics. The result is a harmonious union, where the bathroom embodies the ethos of a spa-like sanctuary. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design choices, turning a builder-grade space into a canvas of tranquility on the waterfront.

Immersed in the challenge of refining a builder-grade master bathroom, my focus on minimalism and serenity became paramount. Every design decision was a brushstroke, aimed at elevating the space into a spa-like retreat that transcends the ordinary. With meticulous attention, neutral tones, clean lines, and purposeful design choices converged to redefine the essence of this intimate haven. The project unfolded as a dialogue between the serene waterfront surroundings and the nuances of minimalist aesthetics. The result is a harmonious union, where the bathroom embodies the ethos of a spa-like sanctuary. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design choices, turning a builder-grade space into a canvas of tranquility on the waterfront.

Wanting to update their kitchen and bathroom from "builder grade" materials, this couple desired a elegant kitchen and master bathroom. Photographer: Ros Anania

Example of a classic kitchen design in Houston

Elegant kitchen photo in Houston

Master bathroom has frameless stain grade alder cabinets with odessa style doors, soft close hinges, adjustable clips and a GFI docking drawer. shower grout is tobacco brown #52, shower walls are islandia lanai glossy, floor is shibusa tortura rhomboid and niche is st harvest melange

Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in Houston