Effectively maintaining your landscape and trees take a good amount of time and effort. Often, homeowners will delay trimming or pruning their trees out of laziness or simply because they don’t know how to correctly care of their trees. But, you should know that tree trimming should be at the top of your to-do list for many reasons. Pruning, proper maintenance, and fertilization are all critical if you want the trees in your yard to thrive to grow strong. For homeowners that are unable to handle the tasks on their own, our professional tree trimming service can help. Five Star Tree Services has put together a list of the top three reasons why you need to trim your trees on a regular basis. Healthier Trees Regular tree trimming will keep your trees in their best health while also promoting growth. Sometimes trees may have dead or broken branches, removing them prevents decay and can even prevent an infection from spreading. If you leave damaged or rotting branches on your tree, it can spread the condition to other parts of the tree or even to other trees in the area. When you prune your tree on a regular basis, it also promotes the growth of new leaves and branches. Reducing the thickness of the leaves and branches also opens up the inner part of the tree to the sun. Furthermore, air circulation is critical for a healthy tree and regular trimming ensures that your tree always has access to the fresh oxygen it needs to thrive. The healthier your tree is the better quality oxygen it will produce for the surrounding area. Improve Property Value Well-kept trees greatly improve the aesthetics of your home. Decaying branches or trees that are overgrown are not only unsightly and dangerous, but they can also have a negative impact on the curb appeal of your house. If your house is on the market, seeing an unkempt yard with untrimmed trees can leave potential buyers with a negative perception of your property. Keeping your trees trimmed and neat show that you care about your home and how it looks. Work hard for your property and it will turn the best profit when you finally sell. Prevent Environmental Damage Tree branches that are rotting or weak pose a safety hazard to your home and your family. Dead limbs or even overburdened are more likely to fall off of the tree and strike your home. There have been plenty of reports of dead or overly heavy branches suddenly falling on people as well. Trees that grow close to power lines also pose a threat if they are not trimmed on a regular basis. Limbs can grow too high or too long causing them to brush against the power lines. This may trigger a fire or even a power outage. Sick trees with limbs that are diseased are more likely to cause the entire tree to tip over. This can cause damage to your home, vehicles, or even a person if they are unlucky. How Five Star Tree Services Can Help If you are not sure about how or when to trim your trees, Five Star Tree Services is here to help. We offer a wide range of Toronto Tree Trim Services and pruning services for both commercial and residential locations. Our passionate team of tree care experts will keep your property safe and ensure that your trees are beautiful and can continue to grow in a healthy state. Give us a call at (416) 990-3355 to find out more information about the services we offer.

This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in Seattle.

D. Johnson
Example of a classic home design design in Denver

This Classic Quarry large Nojoqui Falls wall fountain will instantly become the crowning jewel of any room you put it in, whether it's in your home or office. When you look at this fountain your eye will be naturally drawn to the movement of the water over the textured Absolute Black Granite to the awaiting polished cream white river rocks below. Amazing positive and negative water patterns created by the deeply textured face captivate viewers...the calming effect of this sight and sound cannot be overstated. Granite's toughness is legendary. It is a dense and incredibly durable material that has an unmistakable decorative, luxurious quality and beauty. Our Classic wall fountain design is traditional and enduring, creating a natural focal point without taking up valuable floor space. Beautiful accent lighting adds to the peaceful ambiance, satisfying all your senses. Bluworld HOMelements™ Classic Quarry Line also features your choice of premium metals, like brushed stainless steel, rustic copper with our signature hand-applied patina, or your choice of our standard colors like Black Onyx or Copper Vein trim kits. Remotely controlled dimmable, long lasting warm white LED lighting highlights the beauty of the stone color and texture. A removable rock tray allows easy access to the pump and adjustable flow rate valve. Cream White River Rocks are included. Natural stone varies in color due to the different hues of the natural particles that make up the product. All stones are natural and vary in color, intensity and veining. Photos are provided as an indication only. It is the variation in natural stone that makes each fountain quite unique. Since this product is natural stone, color and texture variances are not defects within the material, but are inherent to it and part of the natural beauty of quarried materials. Our natural stone slabs are imported from quarries worldwide. The Classic Quarry Line contains stunning slices of the natural world. Due to the broad range of colors and textures (Granite excluded) you may wish to select your own stone. This culling service is offered for an additional fee and includes photos of 4 different slabs from your selected stone species. Stone selections must be made within 48 hours of photo receipt. Our Culling Service is not offered for Absolute Black Granite.

This Classic Quarry large Nojoqui Falls wall fountain will instantly become the crowning jewel of any room you put it in, whether it's in your home or office. When you look at this fountain your eye will be naturally drawn to the movement of the water over the textured Absolute Black Granite to the awaiting polished cream white river rocks below. Amazing positive and negative water patterns created by the deeply textured face captivate viewers...the calming effect of this sight and sound cannot be overstated. Granite's toughness is legendary. It is a dense and incredibly durable material that has an unmistakable decorative, luxurious quality and beauty. Our Classic wall fountain design is traditional and enduring, creating a natural focal point without taking up valuable floor space. Beautiful accent lighting adds to the peaceful ambiance, satisfying all your senses. Bluworld HOMelements™ Classic Quarry Line also features your choice of premium metals, like brushed stainless steel, rustic copper with our signature hand-applied patina, or your choice of our standard colors like Black Onyx or Copper Vein trim kits. Remotely controlled dimmable, long lasting warm white LED lighting highlights the beauty of the stone color and texture. A removable rock tray allows easy access to the pump and adjustable flow rate valve. Cream White River Rocks are included. Natural stone varies in color due to the different hues of the natural particles that make up the product. All stones are natural and vary in color, intensity and veining. Photos are provided as an indication only. It is the variation in natural stone that makes each fountain quite unique. Since this product is natural stone, color and texture variances are not defects within the material, but are inherent to it and part of the natural beauty of quarried materials. Our natural stone slabs are imported from quarries worldwide. The Classic Quarry Line contains stunning slices of the natural world. Due to the broad range of colors and textures (Granite excluded) you may wish to select your own stone. This culling service is offered for an additional fee and includes photos of 4 different slabs from your selected stone species. Stone selections must be made within 48 hours of photo receipt. Our Culling Service is not offered for Absolute Black Granite.

Gorgeous master bath finished with Dal-Tile's Fabrique porcelain tile in the color Noir Linen polished. Tile size is 12"x24" installed in a brick joint pattern. The floor boasts underfloor heating on a timed thermostat.

This Classic Quarry large Horzon Falls wall fountain will instantly become the crowning jewel of any room you put it in, whether it's in your home or office. When you look at this fountain your eye will be naturally drawn to the movement of the water over the textured Absolute Black Granite to the awaiting polished cream white river rocks below. Amazing positive and negative water patterns created by the deeply textured face captivate viewers...the calming effect of this sight and sound cannot be overstated. Granite's toughness is legendary. It is a dense and incredibly durable material that has an unmistakable decorative, luxurious quality and beauty. Our Classic wall fountain design is traditional and enduring, creating a natural focal point without taking up valuable floor space. Beautiful accent lighting adds to the peaceful ambiance, satisfying all your senses. Bluworld HOMelements™ Classic Quarry Line also features your choice of premium metals, like brushed stainless steel, rustic copper with our signature hand-applied patina, or your choice of our standard colors like Black Onyx or Copper Vein trim kits. Remotely controlled dimmable, long lasting warm white LED lighting highlights the beauty of the stone color and texture. A removable rock tray allows easy access to the pump and adjustable flow rate valve. Cream White River Rocks are included. Natural stone varies in color due to the different hues of the natural particles that make-up the product. All stones are natural and vary in color, intensity, and veining. Photos are provided as an indication only. It is the variation in natural stone that makes each fountain quite unique. Since this product is natural stone, color and texture variances are not defects within the material, but are inherent to it and part of the natural beauty of quarried materials. Our natural stone slabs are imported from quarries worldwide. The Classic Quarry Line contains stunning slices of the natural world. Due to the broad range of colors and textures (Granite excluded) you may wish to select your own stone. This culling service is offered for an additional fee and includes photos of 4 different slabs from your selected stone species. Stone selections must be made within 48 hours of photo receipt. Our Culling Service is not offered for Absolute Black Granite.

The central focal point of the back patio of the home is the beautiful bronze sculpture designed and crafted by Guy Dill in Venice, California. "Devorah" dancing on the water beneath the spectacular Arizona evening sky. Builder – GEF Development, Interiors - Ownby Design, Photographer – Thompson Photographic, Sculpture - Guy Dill.

This Classic Quarry large Nojoqui Falls wall fountain will instantly become the crowning jewel of any room you put it in, whether it's in your home or office. When you look at this fountain your eye will be naturally drawn to the movement of the water over the textured Absolute Black Granite to the awaiting polished cream white river rocks below. Amazing positive and negative water patterns created by the deeply textured face captivate viewers...the calming effect of this sight and sound cannot be overstated. Granite's toughness is legendary. It is a dense and incredibly durable material that has an unmistakable decorative, luxurious quality and beauty. Our Classic wall fountain design is traditional and enduring, creating a natural focal point without taking up valuable floor space. Beautiful accent lighting adds to the peaceful ambiance, satisfying all your senses. Bluworld HOMelements™ Classic Quarry Line also features your choice of premium metals, like brushed stainless steel, rustic copper with our signature hand-applied patina, or your choice of our standard colors like Black Onyx or Copper Vein trim kits. Remotely controlled dimmable, long lasting warm white LED lighting highlights the beauty of the stone color and texture. A removable rock tray allows easy access to the pump and adjustable flow rate valve. Cream White River Rocks are included. Natural stone varies in color due to the different hues of the natural particles that make up the product. All stones are natural and vary in color, intensity and veining. Photos are provided as an indication only. It is the variation in natural stone that makes each fountain quite unique. Since this product is natural stone, color and texture variances are not defects within the material, but are inherent to it and part of the natural beauty of quarried materials. Our natural stone slabs are imported from quarries worldwide. The Classic Quarry Line contains stunning slices of the natural world. Due to the broad range of colors and textures (Granite excluded) you may wish to select your own stone. This culling service is offered for an additional fee and includes photos of 4 different slabs from your selected stone species. Stone selections must be made within 48 hours of photo receipt. Our Culling Service is not offered for Absolute Black Granite.

This Classic Quarry large Horzon Falls wall fountain will instantly become the crowning jewel of any room you put it in, whether it's in your home or office. When you look at this fountain your eye will be naturally drawn to the movement of the water over the textured Absolute Black Granite to the awaiting polished cream white river rocks below. Amazing positive and negative water patterns created by the deeply textured face captivate viewers...the calming effect of this sight and sound cannot be overstated. Granite's toughness is legendary. It is a dense and incredibly durable material that has an unmistakable decorative, luxurious quality and beauty. Our Classic wall fountain design is traditional and enduring, creating a natural focal point without taking up valuable floor space. Beautiful accent lighting adds to the peaceful ambiance, satisfying all your senses. Bluworld HOMelements™ Classic Quarry Line also features your choice of premium metals, like brushed stainless steel, rustic copper with our signature hand-applied patina, or your choice of our standard colors like Black Onyx or Copper Vein trim kits. Remotely controlled dimmable, long lasting warm white LED lighting highlights the beauty of the stone color and texture. A removable rock tray allows easy access to the pump and adjustable flow rate valve. Cream White River Rocks are included. Natural stone varies in color due to the different hues of the natural particles that make-up the product. All stones are natural and vary in color, intensity, and veining. Photos are provided as an indication only. It is the variation in natural stone that makes each fountain quite unique. Since this product is natural stone, color and texture variances are not defects within the material, but are inherent to it and part of the natural beauty of quarried materials. Our natural stone slabs are imported from quarries worldwide. The Classic Quarry Line contains stunning slices of the natural world. Due to the broad range of colors and textures (Granite excluded) you may wish to select your own stone. This culling service is offered for an additional fee and includes photos of 4 different slabs from your selected stone species. Stone selections must be made within 48 hours of photo receipt. Our Culling Service is not offered for Absolute Black Granite.

This Classic Quarry large Horzon Falls wall fountain will instantly become the crowning jewel of any room you put it in, whether it's in your home or office. When you look at this fountain your eye will be naturally drawn to the movement of the water over the textured Absolute Black Granite to the awaiting polished cream white river rocks below. Amazing positive and negative water patterns created by the deeply textured face captivate viewers...the calming effect of this sight and sound cannot be overstated. Granite's toughness is legendary. It is a dense and incredibly durable material that has an unmistakable decorative, luxurious quality and beauty. Our Classic wall fountain design is traditional and enduring, creating a natural focal point without taking up valuable floor space. Beautiful accent lighting adds to the peaceful ambiance, satisfying all your senses. Bluworld HOMelements™ Classic Quarry Line also features your choice of premium metals, like brushed stainless steel, rustic copper with our signature hand-applied patina, or your choice of our standard colors like Black Onyx or Copper Vein trim kits. Remotely controlled dimmable, long lasting warm white LED lighting highlights the beauty of the stone color and texture. A removable rock tray allows easy access to the pump and adjustable flow rate valve. Cream White River Rocks are included. Natural stone varies in color due to the different hues of the natural particles that make-up the product. All stones are natural and vary in color, intensity, and veining. Photos are provided as an indication only. It is the variation in natural stone that makes each fountain quite unique. Since this product is natural stone, color and texture variances are not defects within the material, but are inherent to it and part of the natural beauty of quarried materials. Our natural stone slabs are imported from quarries worldwide. The Classic Quarry Line contains stunning slices of the natural world. Due to the broad range of colors and textures (Granite excluded) you may wish to select your own stone. This culling service is offered for an additional fee and includes photos of 4 different slabs from your selected stone species. Stone selections must be made within 48 hours of photo receipt. Our Culling Service is not offered for Absolute Black Granite.

This Classic Quarry large Horzon Falls wall fountain will instantly become the crowning jewel of any room you put it in, whether it's in your home or office. When you look at this fountain your eye will be naturally drawn to the movement of the water over the textured Absolute Black Granite to the awaiting polished cream white river rocks below. Amazing positive and negative water patterns created by the deeply textured face captivate viewers...the calming effect of this sight and sound cannot be overstated. Granite's toughness is legendary. It is a dense and incredibly durable material that has an unmistakable decorative, luxurious quality and beauty. Our Classic wall fountain design is traditional and enduring, creating a natural focal point without taking up valuable floor space. Beautiful accent lighting adds to the peaceful ambiance, satisfying all your senses. Bluworld HOMelements™ Classic Quarry Line also features your choice of premium metals, like brushed stainless steel, rustic copper with our signature hand-applied patina, or your choice of our standard colors like Black Onyx or Copper Vein trim kits. Remotely controlled dimmable, long lasting warm white LED lighting highlights the beauty of the stone color and texture. A removable rock tray allows easy access to the pump and adjustable flow rate valve. Cream White River Rocks are included. Natural stone varies in color due to the different hues of the natural particles that make-up the product. All stones are natural and vary in color, intensity, and veining. Photos are provided as an indication only. It is the variation in natural stone that makes each fountain quite unique. Since this product is natural stone, color and texture variances are not defects within the material, but are inherent to it and part of the natural beauty of quarried materials. Our natural stone slabs are imported from quarries worldwide. The Classic Quarry Line contains stunning slices of the natural world. Due to the broad range of colors and textures (Granite excluded) you may wish to select your own stone. This culling service is offered for an additional fee and includes photos of 4 different slabs from your selected stone species. Stone selections must be made within 48 hours of photo receipt. Our Culling Service is not offered for Absolute Black Granite.

Your front door is your best defender. It protects you, your family, and your most valuable personal belongings from theft and damage. Special feature is a durable aluminum profiles that enhance both aesthetics and security. Furthermore, VDom Doors insulate your home from extreme weather conditions, as well as unwanted animals, insects, and dust from entering. Our doors have several superior features: - Single sheet of metal is used in construction. No welded seams are best as these can significantly weaken the structural integrity of the entranceway. Our doors are also more resilient to mechanic damage, such as sledgehammer strikes. - The advantage of a single, non-welded door is that it reduces internal condensation. Over time, condensation can negatively affect the door mechanisms. - Stiffening Ribs: These non-visible details add to our door's security. - Quality insulation serves to reduce unwanted external noise, as well as protect against extreme heat, and severe cold. Introducing our modern exterior entrance door, a stylish addition to any contemporary home or building. Crafted from a single sheet of metal, this door features a sturdy aluminum frame and threshold for added durability and security. The simple yet striking design is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Upgrade your entrance with our modern exterior entrance door today. Model - 6777 Cynex Color - Brown Glass - safety triplex, with mirrored-clear effect Door thickness - 3 1/4" Frame thickness - 4" Exterior design - Brown enamel finish with slim vertical glass panel and stainless steel inserts at the top and bottom of the glass. Interior design - Same vertical glass panel with matching stainless steel inserts at the top and bottom; brown enamel metal finish. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder. - 3D Hinges. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - Modern Handle VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on. Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site.

Cynex 6113 Natural Oak Description Your front door is your best defender. It protects you, your family, and your most valuable personal belongings from theft and damage. Special feature is a durable aluminum profiles that enhance both aesthetics and security. Furthermore, VDom Doors insulate your home from extreme weather conditions, as well as unwanted animals, insects, and dust from entering. Our doors have several superior features: - Single sheet of metal is used in construction. No welded seams are best as these can significantly weaken the structural integrity of the entranceway. Our doors are also more resilient to mechanic damage, such as sledgehammer strikes. - The advantage of a single, non-welded door is that it reduces internal condensation. Over time, condensation can negatively affect the door mechanisms. - Stiffening Ribs: These non-visible details add to our door's security. - Quality insulation serves to reduce unwanted external noise, as well as protect against extreme heat, and severe cold. Introducing our modern exterior entrance door, a stylish addition to any contemporary home or building. Crafted from a single sheet of metal, this door features a sturdy aluminum frame and threshold for added durability and security. The simple yet striking design is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Upgrade your entrance with our modern exterior entrance door today. Model - 6113 Cynex Color - Natural Oak Glass - safety triplex, with mirrored-clear effect Door thickness - 3" Frame thickness - 3 13/16" Exterior design - vertical oak-look studs with black enamel coating Interior design - white enamel metal with decorative vertical grooves. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder. - 3D Hinges. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - Modern Handle VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on. Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site. A canopy over the door is recommended to maintain the warranty.

Your front door is your best defender. It protects you, your family, and your most valuable personal belongings from theft and damage. Special feature is a durable aluminum profiles that enhance both aesthetics and security. Furthermore, VDom Doors insulate your home from extreme weather conditions, as well as unwanted animals, insects, and dust from entering. Our doors have several superior features: - Single sheet of metal is used in construction. No welded seams are best as these can significantly weaken the structural integrity of the entranceway. Our doors are also more resilient to mechanic damage, such as sledgehammer strikes. - The advantage of a single, non-welded door is that it reduces internal condensation. Over time, condensation can negatively affect the door mechanisms. - Stiffening Ribs: These non-visible details add to our door's security. - Quality insulation serves to reduce unwanted external noise, as well as protect against extreme heat, and severe cold. Introducing our modern exterior entrance door, a stylish addition to any contemporary home or building. Crafted from a single sheet of metal, this door features a sturdy aluminum frame and threshold for added durability and security. The simple yet striking design is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Upgrade your entrance with our modern exterior entrance door today. Model - 6777 Cynex Color - Brown Glass - safety triplex, with mirrored-clear effect Door thickness - 3 1/4" Frame thickness - 4" Exterior design - Brown enamel finish with slim vertical glass panel and stainless steel inserts at the top and bottom of the glass. Interior design - Same vertical glass panel with matching stainless steel inserts at the top and bottom; brown enamel metal finish. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder. - 3D Hinges. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - Modern Handle VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on. Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site.

Cynex 6113 Natural Oak Description Your front door is your best defender. It protects you, your family, and your most valuable personal belongings from theft and damage. Special feature is a durable aluminum profiles that enhance both aesthetics and security. Furthermore, VDom Doors insulate your home from extreme weather conditions, as well as unwanted animals, insects, and dust from entering. Our doors have several superior features: - Single sheet of metal is used in construction. No welded seams are best as these can significantly weaken the structural integrity of the entranceway. Our doors are also more resilient to mechanic damage, such as sledgehammer strikes. - The advantage of a single, non-welded door is that it reduces internal condensation. Over time, condensation can negatively affect the door mechanisms. - Stiffening Ribs: These non-visible details add to our door's security. - Quality insulation serves to reduce unwanted external noise, as well as protect against extreme heat, and severe cold. Introducing our modern exterior entrance door, a stylish addition to any contemporary home or building. Crafted from a single sheet of metal, this door features a sturdy aluminum frame and threshold for added durability and security. The simple yet striking design is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Upgrade your entrance with our modern exterior entrance door today. Model - 6113 Cynex Color - Natural Oak Glass - safety triplex, with mirrored-clear effect Door thickness - 3" Frame thickness - 3 13/16" Exterior design - vertical oak-look studs with black enamel coating Interior design - white enamel metal with decorative vertical grooves. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder. - 3D Hinges. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - Modern Handle VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on. Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site. A canopy over the door is recommended to maintain the warranty.

Energy Efficiency: Every effort has been utilized to reduce and minimize energy use through an effective strategy of both passive heating and cooling, as well as state-of-the-art active solar thermal and photovoltaic on site off-grid energy production. Optimal solar orientation with an attached thermal mass food production greenhouse on the Lower Floor enables hot air to be introduced into the house during the winter, and rise via. a thermal chimney “stack effect” and distributed throughout the house. In the summer the same thermal chimney is used to channel hot air to rise up to the Upper Loft vegetated Roof Terrace, where it is exhausted. This condition provides a positive air pressure in the Winter, and a negative pressure in the summer, drawing in cooler outside air from every open window. In addition carefully proportioned roof eave overhangs provide deep passive solar gain and additional day lighting in the winter, and cooling shade in the summer. Active mechanical systems include solar thermal which produces domestic hot water and is integrated into hydronic radiant heated floors. This is supplemented with a multi-split heatpump, on demand backup hot water, and an ERV, which collectively provide active heating, cooling, dehumidification, and healthful indoor air quality. The entire house and detached Barn are off-grid with a 14.4 kW solar array, whole-house batteries, and backup generator. Further, the home is super insulated and extremely tight with high energy performing windows and doors and LED lighting throughout, and even a high efficiency woodstove. Integrated Design: From the beginning and throughout construction, this home demonstrates a close collaboration between the Architect, Contractor, and Owners. Healthful materials and finishes standards, autonomy and energy efficiency, and environmental impact and sustainability were primary goals and stressed throughout. Careful attention was paid to finishes which will require minimal long term maintenance such as the galvalume metal roof (which also provides for rainwater harvesting) and fiber cement siding for longevity. Resource Efficiency / Conservation: Resource conservation began with Schematic Design which utilizes a 2 ft. grid of modular components, thereby optimizing construction efficiency and minimizing on site waste. The site was cleared with the trees stockpiled for future lumber harvesting and firewood. The foundation walls are “Ideal Walls” which use less than half the concrete of a conventional poured wall or block, and do not require extensive concrete footings, exterior insulation, or waterproofing. These panels are prefabricated off site and set in only a few days, which further reduces on site impact and construction lead time. Resiliency: Respect for climate change and mitigating its impact were primary considerations in the design and selection of materials and systems. The home is sited high on a south facing slope as protection from high water or flood and to optimize both passive and active solar opportunity. With remarkably tight construction and super insulation the interior is buffered from both outdoor heat and cold extremes. The metal roof and fiber cement siding are fireproof and resistant to the impact of high winds. And these materials are specified for minimal maintenance and longevity. Further, the attached Greenhouse and Upper Roof Terrace is landscaped and suitable for a vegetable garden with abundant sunshine, easy to water, and with no need for fencing to keep deer at bay. All this being a notable case study for Regenerative Design. Innovation: This home exemplifies Biophilic Design principles to facilitate symbiotic living in harmony with Nature. This incorporates careful attention to natural day lighting, indoor air quality, rainwater catchment and wastewater reclamation, garden food production with vegetated roofs, the home hearth and fire, and connected interaction with the weather and the surrounding natural ecosystems. Community Impact: This EcoHome project has already been presented at several Sustainable Building lectures as a model case study for “Green Building”, including USGBC at Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Plans are underway for an Open House tour for area Architects and students.

Energy Efficiency: Every effort has been utilized to reduce and minimize energy use through an effective strategy of both passive heating and cooling, as well as state-of-the-art active solar thermal and photovoltaic on site off-grid energy production. Optimal solar orientation with an attached thermal mass food production greenhouse on the Lower Floor enables hot air to be introduced into the house during the winter, and rise via. a thermal chimney “stack effect” and distributed throughout the house. In the summer the same thermal chimney is used to channel hot air to rise up to the Upper Loft vegetated Roof Terrace, where it is exhausted. This condition provides a positive air pressure in the Winter, and a negative pressure in the summer, drawing in cooler outside air from every open window. In addition carefully proportioned roof eave overhangs provide deep passive solar gain and additional day lighting in the winter, and cooling shade in the summer. Active mechanical systems include solar thermal which produces domestic hot water and is integrated into hydronic radiant heated floors. This is supplemented with a multi-split heatpump, on demand backup hot water, and an ERV, which collectively provide active heating, cooling, dehumidification, and healthful indoor air quality. The entire house and detached Barn are off-grid with a 14.4 kW solar array, whole-house batteries, and backup generator. Further, the home is super insulated and extremely tight with high energy performing windows and doors and LED lighting throughout, and even a high efficiency woodstove. Integrated Design: From the beginning and throughout construction, this home demonstrates a close collaboration between the Architect, Contractor, and Owners. Healthful materials and finishes standards, autonomy and energy efficiency, and environmental impact and sustainability were primary goals and stressed throughout. Careful attention was paid to finishes which will require minimal long term maintenance such as the galvalume metal roof (which also provides for rainwater harvesting) and fiber cement siding for longevity. Resource Efficiency / Conservation: Resource conservation began with Schematic Design which utilizes a 2 ft. grid of modular components, thereby optimizing construction efficiency and minimizing on site waste. The site was cleared with the trees stockpiled for future lumber harvesting and firewood. The foundation walls are “Ideal Walls” which use less than half the concrete of a conventional poured wall or block, and do not require extensive concrete footings, exterior insulation, or waterproofing. These panels are prefabricated off site and set in only a few days, which further reduces on site impact and construction lead time. Resiliency: Respect for climate change and mitigating its impact were primary considerations in the design and selection of materials and systems. The home is sited high on a south facing slope as protection from high water or flood and to optimize both passive and active solar opportunity. With remarkably tight construction and super insulation the interior is buffered from both outdoor heat and cold extremes. The metal roof and fiber cement siding are fireproof and resistant to the impact of high winds. And these materials are specified for minimal maintenance and longevity. Further, the attached Greenhouse and Upper Roof Terrace is landscaped and suitable for a vegetable garden with abundant sunshine, easy to water, and with no need for fencing to keep deer at bay. All this being a notable case study for Regenerative Design. Innovation: This home exemplifies Biophilic Design principles to facilitate symbiotic living in harmony with Nature. This incorporates careful attention to natural day lighting, indoor air quality, rainwater catchment and wastewater reclamation, garden food production with vegetated roofs, the home hearth and fire, and connected interaction with the weather and the surrounding natural ecosystems. Community Impact: This EcoHome project has already been presented at several Sustainable Building lectures as a model case study for “Green Building”, including USGBC at Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Plans are underway for an Open House tour for area Architects and students.

Great spacious bathroom with lot of amenities. Photographer: Jon Upson
Large elegant master beige tile and porcelain tile drop-in bathtub photo in San Diego with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige walls and a two-piece toilet