Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Excellent Value - Custom Wine Cellar paired with Modular Traditional Wine Racking | Style Name: Collectors Edition by Genuwine Cellars --------- Collector’s Edition is a hybrid modular/custom product. Modular in that you piece together module components. Custom in that it offers a variety of specialty options, and that racking modules can be easily adjusted to cater to your room size. Specifically, racking is designed in smaller component sections and is intended to be trimmed on site to achieve a near custom look. As with all of our wine racks, we only use premium wood species that are all completely inert (i.e., they will not release any fumes that could damage your wine). CE offers a lacquer finish for all racking and mill-work, and it is a nice way to not only bring out the highlights in the wood species of your choice but also preserve your wine cellar.

Photo credit: Tom Harris @ Hedrich Blessing Pearson Residence: Two large condominiums were combined by adding a stair in the center of the units where the previous dining rooms were located. The renovation creates a city living residence with over 6,000 SF overlooking an urban park and Lake Michigan. The glass enclosed TV module is back-lit with white LED light; the TV swings in a door to allow for views from the drawing room and the adjacent rooms in the space. The kitchen is hand-made in Canada using dark-taupe stained high-gloss doors, and is accented with a richly textured rough hewn glass tile backsplash. A Louis the 14th French designed bar is made Irish with a brass foot rail and comfortable overhang on the bar top. Dark espresso stained oak floors offset the stone colored walls and the new white stair structure. Special steam saws were used to cut the 10 inch concrete slab stair opening while the residents lived in the apartment. A new steel tube stair is a canting vierendeel truss and is built in modules that were pre-built, cut, and re-assembled onsite. Walnut treads were used to hold up the glass railings and balustrade. A bespoke wool carpet runs in the center of the stair and is held in place with rug hangers. Light beige Crema Luna limestone tile risers are used on the raised platform below the stair.

Mondo Sectional, formed by modules, upholstered in aniline leather Trento Caramelo, back cushions in goose feather. Mondo coffee table in Ebony solid wood.

Pondless Waterfall Pondless Waterfalls are simply a re-circulating waterfall and/or stream without the presence of a pond. You can enjoy the sight and sound of running water without the maintenance of a pond. The waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautiful and favored feature in a water garden. If space is lacking in your yard or you have safety concerns with a pond, go Pondless! The name basically explains it all. It’s a waterfall and stream, without the pond. So why would you want a waterfall without a pond? The truth is that a Pondless Waterfall isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great alternative for someone who isn’t quite sure if a pond is right for their family. Safety Because there is no pool of water, a Pondless Waterfall is a great option if you are concerned about safety issues associated with a traditional pond. Cost Cost can be a big factor when considering the type of pond you want to build. In most cases, the price of a Pondless waterfall will be less than a pond, because there is less labor involved, as well as less rock and materials. Operating costs are also less. Because you’re not dealing with an established ecosystem, it’s not necessary to run the pump 24/7. Space The small size of the Pondless Waterfall means you can build and enjoy a beautiful waterfall anywhere in you yard. Maintenance - Taking care of your Pondless Waterfall is easy. Filling the reservoir every few weeks to compensate for water loss because of evaporation is all that’s required. Flexibility Perhaps the best part of the Pondless Waterfall is the possibility for the future. If you change your mind later, wishing you’d build a pond, that’s ok! If you leave enough room around the base of the waterfall, it’s easy to add a pond onto a Pondless Waterfall. Complete System It might be difficult to imagine a waterfall and stream without a pond. Where does the water go? A Pondless Waterfall works much like a regular pond. The hole, deeper than a normal pond, is dug then lined with rock and gravel, and filled with water. The water is then circulated from beneath the rocks and gravel by a pump that sits on the bottom, inside a Snorkel Vault and Centipede Module. A pipe runs from there up to a BioFalls Filter and into an overflowing waterfall, where it falls back into the reservoir. Since the water level never pools above the level of the rock and gravel fill, it give the appearance of a waterfall without a pond, when in fact, the “pond” is there but not visible. The Pondless Waterfall has made many water-lovers who were previously unable to indulge in the sweet sounds of falling water, very happy. It’s a great alternative for those who are trying to get their feet wet, or looking to fit a little bit of paradise into their own backyard. In other words, when all else fails … go Pondless!

This compact pool house / guest house is contained within in a single module, clad in cedar siding.
Example of a small trendy brown one-story wood flat roof design in New York

Elevate your space with the captivating Gold Pendant Light, a beautifully distorted, organic-shaped fixture inspired by molten glass and deep space. Featuring an integrated LED module, this unique polycarbonate pendant boasts a mesmerizing hot-blown effect when illuminated and a sleek, mirror-finish when off. Perfect for modern and contemporary interiors, adding a touch of avant-garde design and warm, ambient lighting to any room.

Welcome to our beautiful, brand-new Laurel A single module suite. The Laurel A combines flexibility and style in a compact home at just 504 sq. ft. With one bedroom, one full bathroom, and an open-concept kitchen with a breakfast bar and living room with an electric fireplace, the Laurel Suite A is both cozy and convenient. Featuring vaulted ceilings throughout and plenty of windows, it has a bright and spacious feel inside.

Transitional master porcelain tile bathroom photo in Montreal with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, beige walls, a vessel sink and solid surface countertops

A residence designed for informal gathering and relaxation on a quiet cove near Acadia National Park. Conceived of as a compound of connected gathering spaces with adjacent private retreat spaces. The "village" of structures is designed to open and close seasonally with large sliding barn doors. These also modulate light, air and views into and out of the cottages. Carefully positioned to take advantage of the rich variety of views and sloping topography, the cottages have integral terraces and retaining walls to negotiate the undulating land-form. One arrives at the high point of the site and the long barn axis and navigates between the cottages to the main entrance. Once inside, the home deliberately reveals unique views to the ocean, mountains and surrounding spruce forest.

A second floor office is suspended over a screened in porch below. Fixed louvres modulate the sun and offer a plantation shutter ambiance. Kildow Photography

We designed this niche to be one tile module, so there were no cut tiles around and it looks perfect.
Large trendy beige tile and stone slab ceramic tile freestanding bathtub photo in San Diego with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, limestone countertops, a two-piece toilet and beige walls

Figured Eucalyptus wood in a natural stain was utilized for all millwork with a custom, robin's-egg green glass backsplash. Granite countertops provide contrast as well as a "floating" curved-glass bar top with ice-like spherical pendants above. Contemporary bar stools reflect the luminous beach lighting - sitting on 4' x 4' modules of Caesarstone Quartz flooring.

A serene and spa master bathroom design achieved with natural tones and textures. Large format porcelain tiles with linear movements of creams, grey and browns are the perfect setting for the luxurious free-standing bathtub. The three dimensional limestone square modules create the visual interest of the accent wall behind the tub. Floating vanities with clean contemporary lines are framed by wood grained panels in deep natural tones. Brass and polished nickel hardware and lighting details punctuate the subtle color scheme. Quiet and tranquility are the inspiration key words of this master bathroom retreat.

This house is set on a sunny natural plateau, sheltered from the wind and enjoys magnificent views of Sutton Mounts and Echo. The layout of the house integrates harmoniously with the surrounding forest, opening to nature through large expanses of glass and terraces that connect the living spaces to the forest. A long roof shelters the house, its deep eaves acting as a sunshade and defining protected outside spaces. The wide south and east terraces, close to ground level, bring the house into contact with its site and enjoy lots of sunshine. A screen porch is strategically located to avoid blocking the primary views and provides access to the forest. The living living spaces are arranged in an open layout under a ceiling ceiling that reaches 12 feet in height, yet more intimate spaces such as the fireplace alcove modulate the spaces between the higher volumes. The construction will achieve Novoclimat certification and integrates among other things a radiant floor fed by a geothermal heating system. This project was completed in collaboration with engineers and Construction Boivin.

Each panel of this wall unit was individually crafted by an expert artisan in a barn converted to a woodshop. The off balance gold panels, lend to the charm and unique character of this stunning family room.

Bed is four modules. Note that two "drawers" at head of bed serve as bedside "tables" when extended. Photo by Fredrik Brauer

Mini Larkspur Wall Light By Tech Lighting Cone shaped, slumped glass shade, rich with color and pattern. Provides ambient up-light. Includes 120 volt, 40 watt G9 bi-pin lamp, 13 watt 2GX7 base twin tube compact fluorescent lamp (electronic ballast included) or 10 watt, 600 lumen, 2700K LED module. Incandescent version dimmable with standard incandescent dimmer. LED version dimmable with low-voltage electronic dimmer. ADA compliant.

Our client asked us to improve his living space with a multi media room, immerse the outdoor area with Architectural Sound Modules and to integrate with the smart home system so he is able to control the whole house using an iPad.