While the master bathroom may be the most simple of all the bathrooms in terms of the design, it was actually the most difficult to execute. The homeowners wanted a serene, clean escape, but needed ample storage and wanted to incorporate a slightly more luxurious feel. Alongside the homeowner Daniella, the designers looked through many different tile options, finally settling on Bianco Dolomiti – Direto polished marble. They all loved the bright white background with the slight variation and veining, which gave it more character than a traditional Thassos. The designers opted to use 12 x 24 tiles to create a focus wall behind the vanity, which created the perfect backdrop for the custom-made floating vanity, medicine cabinets, wall mounted faucets and sconces. The designers originally wanted the floor to be cement, but when they saw the Area grey porcelain tile installed at the NEMO Tile Red Bank showroom, they knew it would be perfect. They opted for the larger 48 x 48 tiles to minimize the number of seams, which maintains the focus on the beautiful Bianco Dolomiti – Direto marble.

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

Tidal Marsh Overlook Our client asked Flavin Architects to envision a modern house on a steeply sloped site overlooking the Annisquam River in Cape Ann, MA. The home’s linear layout is oriented parallel to the contours of the hillside, minimizing site disturbance. The stacked massing and galvanized steel detailing of the home recall the industrial vernacular of the Gloucester waterfront, and the dark color helps the house settle into its wooded site. To integrate the house more fully with its natural surroundings, we took our client’s suggestion to plant a tree that extends up through the second-floor deck. An exterior steel stair adjacent to the tree leads from the parking area to a second-floor deck and the home’s front door. The first-floor bedrooms enjoy the privacy provided by black painted wood screens that extend from the concrete pad to the second-floor deck. The screens also soften the view of the adjacent road, and visually connects the second-floor deck to the land. Because the view of the tidal river and wetlands is improved by a higher vantage point, the open plan kitchen, living, and dining areas look over the deck to a view of the river. The master suite is situated even higher, tucked into the rear on the third floor. There, the client enjoys private views of the steep woodland bank behind the house. A generous screen porch occupies the front of the house, facing the marsh, providing space for family gatherings and a sleeping porch to enjoy the breezes on hot summer nights.

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

While the master bathroom may be the most simple of all the bathrooms in terms of the design, it was actually the most difficult to execute. The homeowners wanted a serene, clean escape, but needed ample storage and wanted to incorporate a slightly more luxurious feel. Alongside the homeowner Daniella, the designers looked through many different tile options, finally settling on Bianco Dolomiti – Direto polished marble. They all loved the bright white background with the slight variation and veining, which gave it more character than a traditional Thassos. The designers opted to use 12 x 24 tiles to create a focus wall behind the vanity, which created the perfect backdrop for the custom-made floating vanity, medicine cabinets, wall mounted faucets and sconces. The designers originally wanted the floor to be cement, but when they saw the Area grey porcelain tile installed at the NEMO Tile Red Bank showroom, they knew it would be perfect. They opted for the larger 48 x 48 tiles to minimize the number of seams, which maintains the focus on the beautiful Bianco Dolomiti – Direto marble.

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

Photo of a small contemporary partial sun hillside stone landscaping in Kansas City.

Multiple drilled rock water feature. Albuquerque
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Albuquerque.

Tidal Marsh Overlook Our client asked Flavin Architects to envision a modern house on a steeply sloped site overlooking the Annisquam River in Cape Ann, MA. The home’s linear layout is oriented parallel to the contours of the hillside, minimizing site disturbance. The stacked massing and galvanized steel detailing of the home recall the industrial vernacular of the Gloucester waterfront, and the dark color helps the house settle into its wooded site. To integrate the house more fully with its natural surroundings, we took our client’s suggestion to plant a tree that extends up through the second-floor deck. An exterior steel stair adjacent to the tree leads from the parking area to a second-floor deck and the home’s front door. The first-floor bedrooms enjoy the privacy provided by black painted wood screens that extend from the concrete pad to the second-floor deck. The screens also soften the view of the adjacent road, and visually connects the second-floor deck to the land. Because the view of the tidal river and wetlands is improved by a higher vantage point, the open plan kitchen, living, and dining areas look over the deck to a view of the river. The master suite is situated even higher, tucked into the rear on the third floor. There, the client enjoys private views of the steep woodland bank behind the house. A generous screen porch occupies the front of the house, facing the marsh, providing space for family gatherings and a sleeping porch to enjoy the breezes on hot summer nights.

Inspiration for a deck remodel in DC Metro

Tidal Marsh Overlook Our client asked Flavin Architects to envision a modern house on a steeply sloped site overlooking the Annisquam River in Cape Ann, MA. The home’s linear layout is oriented parallel to the contours of the hillside, minimizing site disturbance. The stacked massing and galvanized steel detailing of the home recall the industrial vernacular of the Gloucester waterfront, and the dark color helps the house settle into its wooded site. To integrate the house more fully with its natural surroundings, we took our client’s suggestion to plant a tree that extends up through the second-floor deck. An exterior steel stair adjacent to the tree leads from the parking area to a second-floor deck and the home’s front door. The first-floor bedrooms enjoy the privacy provided by black painted wood screens that extend from the concrete pad to the second-floor deck. The screens also soften the view of the adjacent road, and visually connects the second-floor deck to the land. Because the view of the tidal river and wetlands is improved by a higher vantage point, the open plan kitchen, living, and dining areas look over the deck to a view of the river. The master suite is situated even higher, tucked into the rear on the third floor. There, the client enjoys private views of the steep woodland bank behind the house. A generous screen porch occupies the front of the house, facing the marsh, providing space for family gatherings and a sleeping porch to enjoy the breezes on hot summer nights.

Our client purchased what had been a custom home built in 1973 on a high bank waterfront lot. They did their due diligence with respect to the septic system, well and the existing underground fuel tank but little did they know, they had purchased a house that would fit into the Three Little Pigs Story book. The original idea was to do a thorough cosmetic remodel to bring the home up to date using all high durability/low maintenance materials and provide the homeowners with a flexible floor plan that would allow them to live in the home for as long as they chose to, not how long the home would allow them to stay safely. However, there was one structure element that had to change, the staircase. The staircase blocked the beautiful water/mountain few from the kitchen and part of the dining room. It also bisected the second-floor master suite creating a maze of small dysfunctional rooms with a very narrow (and unsafe) top stair landing. In the process of redesigning the stairs and reviewing replacement options for the 1972 custom milled one inch thick cupped and cracked cedar siding, it was discovered that the house had no seismic support and that the dining/family room/hot tub room and been a poorly constructed addition and required significant structural reinforcement. It should be noted that it is not uncommon for this home to be subjected to 60-100 mile an hour winds and that the geographic area is in a known earthquake zone. Once the structural engineering was complete, the redesign of the home became an open pallet. The homeowners top requests included: no additional square footage, accessibility, high durability/low maintenance materials, high performance mechanicals and appliances, water and energy efficient fixtures and equipment and improved lighting incorporated into: two master suites (one upstairs and one downstairs), a healthy kitchen (appliances that preserve fresh food nutrients and materials that minimize bacterial growth), accessible bathing and toileting, functionally designed closets and storage, a multi-purpose laundry room, an exercise room, a functionally designed home office, a catio (second floor balcony on the front of the home), with an exterior that was not just code compliant but beautiful and easy to maintain. All of this was achieved and more. The finished project speaks for itself.

Tidal Marsh Overlook Our client asked Flavin Architects to envision a modern house on a steeply sloped site overlooking the Annisquam River in Cape Ann, MA. The home’s linear layout is oriented parallel to the contours of the hillside, minimizing site disturbance. The stacked massing and galvanized steel detailing of the home recall the industrial vernacular of the Gloucester waterfront, and the dark color helps the house settle into its wooded site. To integrate the house more fully with its natural surroundings, we took our client’s suggestion to plant a tree that extends up through the second-floor deck. An exterior steel stair adjacent to the tree leads from the parking area to a second-floor deck and the home’s front door. The first-floor bedrooms enjoy the privacy provided by black painted wood screens that extend from the concrete pad to the second-floor deck. The screens also soften the view of the adjacent road, and visually connects the second-floor deck to the land. Because the view of the tidal river and wetlands is improved by a higher vantage point, the open plan kitchen, living, and dining areas look over the deck to a view of the river. The master suite is situated even higher, tucked into the rear on the third floor. There, the client enjoys private views of the steep woodland bank behind the house. A generous screen porch occupies the front of the house, facing the marsh, providing space for family gatherings and a sleeping porch to enjoy the breezes on hot summer nights.

Tidal Marsh Overlook Our client asked Flavin Architects to envision a modern house on a steeply sloped site overlooking the Annisquam River in Cape Ann, MA. The home’s linear layout is oriented parallel to the contours of the hillside, minimizing site disturbance. The stacked massing and galvanized steel detailing of the home recall the industrial vernacular of the Gloucester waterfront, and the dark color helps the house settle into its wooded site. To integrate the house more fully with its natural surroundings, we took our client’s suggestion to plant a tree that extends up through the second-floor deck. An exterior steel stair adjacent to the tree leads from the parking area to a second-floor deck and the home’s front door. The first-floor bedrooms enjoy the privacy provided by black painted wood screens that extend from the concrete pad to the second-floor deck. The screens also soften the view of the adjacent road, and visually connects the second-floor deck to the land. Because the view of the tidal river and wetlands is improved by a higher vantage point, the open plan kitchen, living, and dining areas look over the deck to a view of the river. The master suite is situated even higher, tucked into the rear on the third floor. There, the client enjoys private views of the steep woodland bank behind the house. A generous screen porch occupies the front of the house, facing the marsh, providing space for family gatherings and a sleeping porch to enjoy the breezes on hot summer nights.

-Randal Bye
Inspiration for a huge country light wood floor kitchen remodel in Philadelphia with a single-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and no island

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

Miami, for centuries since its discovery by early explorers, has lured new residents to its shores with the promise paradise in the Tropics. Located on the South Bank of the Miami River, and following the traditions of Tropical Living, this home designed by KI Architecture and Armando Montero R.A. LEED AP, incorporates design ideas that promote healthy living and mitigate Climate Change and Sea Level Rise threats in one of the most vulnerable areas in the Country. Miami and South Florida are often at the center of the Hurricane Track Forecast Cone and seasonal King Tides often flood streets. The resilient design ensures that disruptions due to natural disasters are minimized. The house structure and adjacent outdoor areas are raised above potential and future flood levels. The structure is hardened and protects the home from wind damage, and is capable of withstanding 180+ mph winds, and the home is designs to function off the grid using photovoltaic energy and other green strategies. Other incorporated sustainable strategies include capturing and re-using rainwater, treating sewage on site and reclaiming grey water to irrigate rooftop gardens and landscape, Roof tops not used for PV panels serve as green roofs and recreational decks that allow home vegetable farming even during flooded conditions. The house is also designed to maximize the well-being of the occupants by increasing the quality of air, water, natural lighting, and materials to create an environment that promotes physical and mental health.

Photo of a small contemporary partial sun hillside stone landscaping in Kansas City.

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.