Kitchen
Inspiration for a large scandinavian l-shaped medium tone wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen remodel in Boston with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and gray countertops

The Glo European Windows A5 Series windows and doors were carefully selected for the Whitefish Residence to support the high performance and modern architectural design of the home. Triple pane glass, a larger continuous thermal break, multiple air seals, and high performance spacers all help to eliminate condensation and heat convection while providing durability to last the lifetime of the building. This higher level of efficiency will also help to keep continued utility costs low and maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year. Large fixed window units mulled together in the field provide sweeping views of the valley and mountains beyond. Full light exterior doors with transom windows above provide natural daylight to penetrate deep into the home. A large lift and slide door opens the living area to the exterior of the home and creates an atmosphere of spaciousness and ethereality. Modern aluminum frames with clean lines paired with stainless steel handles accent the subtle details of the architectural design. Tilt and turn windows throughout the space allow the option of natural ventilation while maintaining clear views of the picturesque landscape.

To optimize the views of the lake and maximize natural ventilation this 8,600 square-foot woodland oasis accomplishes just that and more. A selection of local materials of varying scales for the exterior and interior finishes, complements the surrounding environment and boast a welcoming setting for all to enjoy. A perfect combination of skirl siding and hand dipped shingles unites the exterior palette and allows for the interior finishes of aged pine paneling and douglas fir trim to define the space. This residence, houses a main-level master suite, a guest suite, and two upper-level bedrooms. An open-concept scheme creates a kitchen, dining room, living room and screened porch perfect for large family gatherings at the lake. Whether you want to enjoy the beautiful lake views from the expansive deck or curled up next to the natural stone fireplace, this stunning lodge offers a wide variety of spatial experiences. Photographer: Joseph St. Pierre

Trendy open concept bamboo floor living room photo in Minneapolis with blue walls, a metal fireplace and no tv

This custom, high-performance home was designed and built to a LEED for Homes Platinum rating, the highest rating given to homes when certified by the US Green Building Council. The house has been laid out to take maximum advantage of both passive and active solar energy, natural ventilation, low impact and recyclable materials, high efficiency lighting and controls, in a structure that is very simple and economical to build. The envelope of the house is designed to require a minimum amount of energy in order to live and use the home based on the lifestyle of the occupants. The home will have an innovative HVAC system that has been recently developed by engineers from the University of Illinois which uses considerably less energy than a conventional heating and cooling system and provides extremely high indoor air quality utilizing a CERV (conditioned energy recovery ventilation system) combined with a cost effective installation.

This 2,000 square foot vacation home is located in the rocky mountains. The home was designed for thermal efficiency and to maximize flexibility of space. Sliding panels convert the two bedroom home into 5 separate sleeping areas at night, and back into larger living spaces during the day. The structure is constructed of SIPs (structurally insulated panels). The glass walls, window placement, large overhangs, sunshade and concrete floors are designed to take advantage of passive solar heating and cooling, while the masonry thermal mass heats and cools the home at night.

Mid-sized transitional light wood floor and exposed beam great room photo in San Francisco with a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

The Glo European Windows A5 Series windows and doors were carefully selected for the Whitefish Residence to support the high performance and modern architectural design of the home. Triple pane glass, a larger continuous thermal break, multiple air seals, and high performance spacers all help to eliminate condensation and heat convection while providing durability to last the lifetime of the building. This higher level of efficiency will also help to keep continued utility costs low and maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year. Large fixed window units mulled together in the field provide sweeping views of the valley and mountains beyond. Full light exterior doors with transom windows above provide natural daylight to penetrate deep into the home. A large lift and slide door opens the living area to the exterior of the home and creates an atmosphere of spaciousness and ethereality. Modern aluminum frames with clean lines paired with stainless steel handles accent the subtle details of the architectural design. Tilt and turn windows throughout the space allow the option of natural ventilation while maintaining clear views of the picturesque landscape.

The house is located on a hillside overlooking the Colorado River and mountains beyond. It is designed for a young couple with two children, and grandparents who come to visit and stay for certain period of time. The house consists of a L shaped two-story volume connected by a one-story base. A courtyard with a reflection pool is located in the heart of the house, bringing daylight and fresh air into the surrounding rooms. The main living areas are positioned on the south end and open up for sunlight and uninterrupted views out to the mountains. Outside the dining and living rooms is a covered terrace with a fire place on one end, a place to get directly connected with natural surroundings. Wood screens are located at along windows and the terrace facing south, the screens can move to different positions to block unwanted sun light at different time of the day. The house is mainly made of concrete with large glass windows and sliding doors that bring in daylight and permit natural ventilation. The design intends to create a structure that people can perceive and appreciate both the “raw” nature outside the house: the mountain, the river and the trees, and also the “abstract” natural phenomena filtered through the structure, such as the reflection pool, the sound of rain water dropping into the pool, the light and shadow play by the sun penetrating through the windows, and the wind flowing through the space.

LEED Certification Level: Platinum. Builder: R & S Engineering & Construction. The Cavanaugh Residence is a contemporary split level with a split personality. Totally designed from the ground up to minimize impact and maximize energy and water efficiency, its beautiful facade belies its hard-working, high-producing systems, earning it a LEED Platinum score of 116.5, and a HERS rating of minus 22. The 2774 square foot home produces over 100 per cent of its power with a 10.8 kw pv system, and captures 100 per cent of its freshwater needs from the curved metal roofs through an engineered collection and purification system, stored in an integrated concrete cistern. Constructed of locally made SIP panels on an infill waterfront lot, the home is oriented to maximize the production of the pv panels. Six inch SIP panels work together with a highly reflective, highly emmisive cool standing seam roof, icynene insulation in ceiling and floors, and carefully placed high efficiency windows and doors to create a tightly sealed environment. The 17-seer Trane heat pump variable speed compressors and TAM 7 air handlers, along with a whole house dehumidifier and fresh air intake provide a comfortable, clean indoor environment while using little energy. In the shoulder seasons, natural ventilation cools the home with fresh breezes drawn from lower windows in each room flowing through the curved ceilings to clerestory windows at the top of the house. Natural daylighting, with windows placed in corners and high clerestories, bounce the abundant natural light so that the owners use the interior LED lighting primarily at night. Windows were sited to frame views of the neighboring park and water, and capture the light, but represent a very low percentage of glazing to wall to conserve energy. Primarily native, xeriscaped turfless landscaping sips reclaimed water from its drip and bubbler irrigiation system, and requires little trimming or chemicals. Established trees, protected during construction, shade the home, FSC certified decks, and yard, providing a cool place to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the day, even in Florida's summer heat. Rainwater is diverted from the bay through the engineered collection and filtration system to an integrated concrete cistern hidden beneath the decks. Abundant Florida rainwater supplies 100 per cent of the home's needs, including drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Naturally soft, the highly filtered and UV purified water requires no chemical treatment or water softener. Coupled with minimal hardscape and permeable drive and walkways, almost all ground water remains on the lot, and out of storm sewers and bay runoffs. Designed as a forever home for this active retired couple, an open floor plan provides diagonal interior views along with great circulation space. Wide hallways and doors, curbless showers, an elevator, and extra blocking in the walls for grab rails insures the couple of being able to use their home even if physical disabilities arise. The home's footprint is minimized by building over the conditioned crawlspace and over-sized garage, and the finished floor height, at least two feet above flood code requirements, significantly reduces insurance costs while maximizing storage space for camping and water sports equipment. Materials, fixtures and appliances were carefully selected for energy and water efficiency, local production where possible, recycled content/recyclability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The owners were very involved in vetting and materials selections, and assisted in just-in-time purchasing to minimize waste. Scrap materials were sorted daily for re-use elsewhere in the project (blocking, concrete forms, drywall scraps as acoustical insulation in interior walls, etc.), resulting in a tiny waste pile at the end of a dumpster-free project. Concrete waste was hauled to a local recycler to become road base, and extra useable materials were returned to the vendor or donated to Habitat Restore. Cost-effective choices, and careful planning, saved significant dollars in construction cost as well as landfill space. One of the biggest challenges was finding qualified subcontractors who would work within the guidelines. With the help of our LEED consultant and meetings and explanations, most subcontractors not only bought into the ideas readily, but offered up new ideas. Highly skilled and professional, the team of subs, LEED consultant, and contractor proved that LEED construction is excellent construction. The team, the owners, and I also found that LEED construction makes great economic sense. Most materials (other than increased insulation and photovoltaic panels) cost no more, and sometimes less, than those employed in construction of a lesser standard. The owners have been living in the home for a year now, and are thrilled with the results. No power bill. No water bill. Extremely low insurance bill. Minimal ground maintenance. No fabric softener. Reduced use of soap, detergents, and shampoos and cleaning supplies. Less time cleaning with spot-free rainwater. Careful planning and materials selection brought the project in under budget, and the home operates at an extremely low cost, both to the homeowners, and the environment. Who wouldn't be thrilled?

The combined living/dining/kitchen opens onto the balcony with a massive sliding door. Floor to ceiling glass and transom windows on the south elevation allow for natural lighting & ventilation.

The 7,600 square-foot residence was designed for large, memorable gatherings of family and friends at the lake, as well as creating private spaces for smaller family gatherings. Keeping in dialogue with the surrounding site, a palette of natural materials and finishes was selected to provide a classic backdrop for all activities, bringing importance to the adjoining environment. In optimizing the views of the lake and developing a strategy to maximize natural ventilation, an ideal, open-concept living scheme was implemented. The kitchen, dining room, living room and screened porch are connected, allowing for the large family gatherings to take place inside, should the weather not cooperate. Two main level master suites remain private from the rest of the program; yet provide a complete sense of incorporation. Bringing the natural finishes to the interior of the residence, provided the opportunity for unique focal points that complement the stunning stone fireplace and timber trusses. Photographer: MTA

The combined living/dining/kitchen opens onto the balcony with a massive sliding door. Floor to ceiling glass and transom windows on the south elevation allow for natural lighting & ventilation.

This contemporary mountain home is a retirement sanctuary in South Fork, Colorado. It incorporates passive solar design, SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) walls, thermal mass concrete floors, high performance windows, solar water heating for space heat and domestic hot water, solar electricity generation, natural, non-toxic materials, radiant floors, natural ventilation, heat recovery and rough-sawn timbers. Photos by James R Plagmann

A high ceiling allows for windows and skylights to naturally light and ventilate the stairs below. At the top, a den with more Velux skylights are revealed. These operable skylights encourage natural ventilation and bring daylight into the great room below through the offset wall opening.

The house has a central circulation core lit with north-angled operable skylights to flood the interior with natural light & ventilation.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern wooden straight staircase remodel with wooden risers

Motorized, retractable Phantom Executive screens transform patios and porches into comfortable and welcoming outdoor living spaces. These motorized screens from The Shade Shop retract to be out-of-sight and out-of-mind until you decide you want to utilize them. When the summer sun feels a little harsh, put your solar mesh screens down with the touch of a button to shield the UV rays. Alternately, choose the insect mesh to allow for natural ventilation, while still keeping those pesky mosquitoes from entering your outdoor oasis.

The new addition to the front of the house is a guest bedroom with lots of sunshine and natural ventilation. The remodel also created the opportunity to insulate many of the walls of the existing house as well as the new addition. The newly remodeled house is much more sustainable because of the new double glazed windows throughout, the newly insulated walls and ceilings and the introduction of windows that open to provide cross ventilation throughout. Also, the many new skylights bring natural sunlight into the house for much of the day.

Example of a trendy sunroom design in Ahmedabad