Michael Moran/OTTO Photography This LEED-certified project was a substantial rebuild of a 1960s home, preserving the original foundation to the extent possible, with a small amount of new area, a reconfigured floor plan, and newly envisioned massing. The design is simple and modern, with floor to ceiling glazing along the rear, connecting the interior living spaces to the landscape. The design process was informed by building science best practices, including solar orientation, triple glazing, rainscreen exterior cladding, and a thermal envelope that far exceeds code requirements.

Master bath his and her's.
Freestanding bathtub - huge modern master white tile and stone tile porcelain tile and white floor freestanding bathtub idea in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, a vessel sink, granite countertops and black countertops

Jonah Gilmore
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Dallas

Under our client’s encouragement and desire for a near zero-energy design, this hybrid home is a skillful integration of modern architecture and sustainable building science. The design weaves natural materials and clean visual detailing to achieve an organic modern aesthetic while applying OVE (Optimum Value Engineering) framing techniques, insulation over the sheathing, sprayed foam insulation, and blower door testing to construct a tight building envelope, thus minimizing energy impact. The building systems include passive solar design, directionally tuned glazing, high efficiency multi-zoned radiant heat, EPA approved biomass heat, and solar thermal / photovoltaic panels for energy generation. The result is a beautiful, near zero-energy urban home. To reach this goal, the design weaves natural materials and clean visual detailing to achieve an organic modern aesthetic while applying OVE (Optimum Value Engineering) framing techniques, insulation over the sheathing, sprayed foam insulation, and blower door testing to construct a tight building envelope, thus minimizing energy impact. The building systems include Passive solar design, directionally tuned glazing, high efficiency multi-zoned radiant heat, EPA approved biomass heat, and solar thermal / photovoltaic panels for energy generation. Continuing the conscious systems approach in HVAC, an HRV (Hear Recovery Ventilator) and high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) AC system couple with natural ventilation through motorized awning windows. The result is a beautiful, near zero-energy urban home that embraces its owners’ ecological sensibilities as it embraces a private courtyard haven.

Under our client’s encouragement and desire for a near zero-energy design, this hybrid home is a skillful integration of modern architecture and sustainable building science. The design weaves natural materials and clean visual detailing to achieve an organic modern aesthetic while applying OVE (Optimum Value Engineering) framing techniques, insulation over the sheathing, sprayed foam insulation, and blower door testing to construct a tight building envelope, thus minimizing energy impact. The building systems include passive solar design, directionally tuned glazing, high efficiency multi-zoned radiant heat, EPA approved biomass heat, and solar thermal / photovoltaic panels for energy generation. The result is a beautiful, near zero-energy urban home. To reach this goal, the design weaves natural materials and clean visual detailing to achieve an organic modern aesthetic while applying OVE (Optimum Value Engineering) framing techniques, insulation over the sheathing, sprayed foam insulation, and blower door testing to construct a tight building envelope, thus minimizing energy impact. The building systems include Passive solar design, directionally tuned glazing, high efficiency multi-zoned radiant heat, EPA approved biomass heat, and solar thermal / photovoltaic panels for energy generation. Continuing the conscious systems approach in HVAC, an HRV (Hear Recovery Ventilator) and high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) AC system couple with natural ventilation through motorized awning windows. The result is a beautiful, near zero-energy urban home that embraces its owners’ ecological sensibilities as it embraces a private courtyard haven.

Historic fountain restoration and renovation kansas city Arkansas, Historic fountain restoration and renovation Denver Co, Historic fountain restoration and renovation Nebraska , Historic fountain restoration and renovation Memphis TN, Historic fountain restoration and renovation Nashville TN, Historic fountain restoration and renovation Springfield IL , is a professional endeavor that seeks to preserve, conserve, revive, and protect fountains and water features, and associated ornamental objects, landscapes or other artifacts of historic significance. Thru history we have seen the design and construction of fountains and water features move in two diametrically opposed directions. From the aesthetic side fountain have become much more simple and have far less architectural and artistic features, alternately we have seen fountains develop as objects of spectacle thru the use of technology and the application of advanced systems, engineering, and components. Architectural fountain conservation describes the process through which the material, historical, and design integrity of a fountain is prolonged through carefully planned interventions. The individual engaged in this pursuit is known as an architectural fountain conservator. The decisions of when and how to engage in an restoration intervention are critical to the ultimate conservation of the object. Ultimately, the decision is value based: a combination of artistic, contextual, and informational values is normally considered. In some cases, a decision to not intervene may be the most appropriate choice. The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers deals with issues of prolonging the life and integrity of architectural fountains character and integrity, such as form and style, and/or its constituent materials, such as stone, brick, glass, metal, concrete, and systems . In this sense, the term refers to the professional use of a combination of science, art, craft, and technology as a preservation tool, and is allied with its parent fields, of historic environment conservation and art conservation

Example of an eclectic bedroom design in Toronto

The Masons Co/ Historic fountain restoration and renovation Arkansas, Historic fountain restoration and renovation Denver Co, Historic fountain restoration and renovation Nebraska , Historic fountain restoration and renovation Memphis TN, Historic fountain restoration and renovation Nashville TN, Historic fountain restoration and renovation Springfield IL , is a professional endeavor that seeks to preserve, conserve, revive, and protect fountains and water features, and associated ornamental objects, landscapes or other artifacts of historic significance. Thru history we have seen the design and construction of fountains and water features move in two diametrically opposed directions. From the aesthetic side fountain have become much more simple and have far less architectural and artistic features, alternately we have seen fountains develop as objects of spectacle thru the use of technology and the application of advanced systems, engineering, and components. Architectural fountain conservation describes the process through which the material, historical, and design integrity of a fountain is prolonged through carefully planned interventions. The individual engaged in this pursuit is known as an architectural fountain conservator. The decisions of when and how to engage in an restoration intervention are critical to the ultimate conservation of the object. Ultimately, the decision is value based: a combination of artistic, contextual, and informational values is normally considered. In some cases, a decision to not intervene may be the most appropriate choice. The Masons Co and Dionysian Artificers deals with issues of prolonging the life and integrity of architectural fountains character and integrity, such as form and style, and/or its constituent materials, such as stone, brick, glass, metal, concrete, and systems . In this sense, the term refers to the professional use of a combination of science, art, craft, and technology as a preservation tool, and is allied with its parent fields, of historic environment conservation and art conservation

In Vir Stil, designer Laura Kirar juxtaposes several key design influences, from Danish modern to Bauhaus, ultimately creating something that is thoroughly unique, thoroughly beautiful. The Vir Stil collection uses the palette of its wood and metal materials and simple geometry to create gracious, modern forms. Vir Stil on KALLISTA.com | http://bit.ly/NULrsn

Project Spotlight: Hillside Stone Steps January 25, 2015 Affordable Hardscapes of Virginia - (Virginia Beach, VA) Our client had recently constructed a new custom waterfront home in Virginia Beach, VA. The homes main property is elevated almost 30' above the water, boat lift and dock. The natural hillside leading from backyard is steep, experiencing erosion, and difficult to trek up and down. To access the main property from the dock you would need to climb the steep embankment and to get to the dock below it was a definite test of will. After meeting the client to discuss options it was clear to us that a innovative blend of science and art would be needed to achieve their goals and expectations. Affordable Hardscapes of Virginia submitted an initial design utilizing Eagle Bay's Dublin wall stone as the primary material to construct the 18 individual steps necessary. At the clients request to utilize material left over from the homes construction (2" thick limestone) and incorporate wood to match homes elements the final design was approved. Planning for the project included submittals and approvals by way of a Joint Permit Application administered by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). Do to access limitations and the desire to have minimal environmental impact all excavation and installation was done using only hand tools. Each of the (18) steps was individually built in place on solid footings with subsurface drainage. The steps risers are built with 12" x 8" x 4" (tall) Eagle Bay Dublin Freestanding Wall block in Tan. The limestone step treads are from recycled material left over from the construction of the new home. The wood used to frame around the limestone treads is clear Spanish Cedar cut and planned to 2" x 6".

"Villa Campania" design by Robert Martignoni, Building Science Associates, Inc.
Mid-sized traditional two-story brick exterior home idea

The Hutchens Cottage design at our website was modified and received a new "skin" and a bonus room for these clients. Just under 2400 sf on the main level with another 450 sf in bonus room over garage.

Full building enclosure restoration in White Rock, BC
Mid-sized minimalist beige three-story stone exterior home photo in Vancouver

Full building enclosure restoration in White Rock, BC
Mid-sized modern beige three-story stone exterior home idea in Vancouver

Full building enclosure restoration in White Rock, BC
Mid-sized modern beige three-story stone exterior home idea in Vancouver

Affordable Hardscapes of Virginia - (Virginia Beach, VA) Our client had recently constructed a new custom waterfront home in Virginia Beach, VA. The homes main property is elevated almost 30' above the water, boat lift and dock. The natural hillside leading from backyard is steep, experiencing erosion, and difficult to trek up and down. To access the main property from the dock you would need to climb the steep embankment and to get to the dock below it was a definite test of will. After meeting the client to discuss options it was clear to us that a innovative blend of science and art would be needed to achieve their goals and expectations. Affordable Hardscapes of Virginia submitted an initial design utilizing Eagle Bay's Dublin wall stone as the primary material to construct the 18 individual steps necessary. At the clients request to utilize material left over from the homes construction (2" thick limestone) and incorporate wood to match homes elements the final design was approved. Planning for the project included submittals and approvals by way of a Joint Permit Application administered by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). Do to access limitations and the desire to have minimal environmental impact all excavation and installation was done using only hand tools. Each of the (18) steps was individually built in place on solid footings with subsurface drainage. The steps risers are built with 12" x 8" x 4" (tall) Eagle Bay Dublin Freestanding Wall block in Tan. The limestone step treads are from recycled material left over from the construction of the new home. The wood used to frame around the limestone treads is clear Spanish Cedar cut and planned to 2" x 6". Click Hillside Stone Steps to view additional project photos.

Mid-sized trendy l-shaped vinyl floor and gray floor enclosed kitchen photo in Vancouver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Residence was done for an "infill" lot. The owners actually lived in and owned the house next door to the original home that was on this lot which was razed to make room for this home. It is on a modest size lot in an older neighborhood clost to downtown area where a lot of homes have been razed for new and we wanted to keep the design where it would blend in well with both the old and the new homes in the neighborhood. The exterior is a combination of painted brick and cement fiber siding. Photos courtesy of the builder- Sam Bryan- Bryan Homes Athens, AL

Originally built in 1972, these eight interlocked residential units and the accompanying House Master’s Residence won an AIA award for their unique spatial complexity, balancing standard units of construction with volumetric interplay, all while bringing natural light into living spaces. However, nearly 40 years later These 1970’s era, interlocked faculty housing units won an AIA award when first completed. They were unique in spatial complexity, By early 2,000’s they were showing signs of age, and had become outdated on many levels. Working with project management for the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, we prepared one prototype design to bring the buildings into the 21st century. New insulated skylights, standing seam metal siding, cedar decks and trellises, exchanging black roofs for well insulated white roofs, were all part of a larger planning program to renovate all nine units. The prototype was implemented in 2012, to great approval and result. In 2013 a few more units were done. In 2014 the “House Masters” unit was done, with the remaining four units planned for future budgets. Sustainable features include re-use of most materials on site, (former siding was able to become sheathing below metal panels), implementing the Stretch Energy Code for insulation, and putting new white roof membranes in place. Using FSC certified wood for decks and trellises, and using Rheinzink siding, a “200 year material” according to the manufacturer. After nearly 40 years, Ronald Gourley’s AIA award winning Faculty Housing (1972) was beginning to show its age – plywood siding was delaminating, wooden decks splintering, and custom windows failing. Therefore, the opportunity to reinvent a piece of Mid-Century Modernism presented itself when two of the building’s eight alternating rooftop designs were to be rebuilt as prototypes for the remainder of the structure. The strength of the original design was its rectilinear and symmetrical arrangement of internal and external spaces, but the difference between the two had become blurred over the decades. New zinc siding, mahogany decking, and stainless steel railings accentuate the defining elements and more clearly articulate the living spaces, breathing new life into the building and reinvigorating the surrounding campus. Furthermore, the renovation also provided a chance to bring the structure up to modern energy standards and help meet Harvard’s lofty environmental goals. Insulation within the ceilings was more than tripled, white TPO roofing reduces the heat island effect, construction waste was minimized by recasting the siding as sheathing, and materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity and ability to be recycled as well. Harvard’s energy standards brought an uncharacteristic level of environmental care to this building. Roof structures are triple insulated, allowing separating interior from exterior in the most thermally efficient manner. North facing triple insulated skylights and white TPO roofing reduces the heat gain, but allows natural light to pour in. Materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity. Zinc, for example, is made of 100% recycled material, and has duration of 200 years. Uncharacteristic levels of environmental care were common on this project.