Search results for "Noise levels" in Home Design Ideas
ZeroEnergy DesignThis renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income.
DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request.
MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic.
RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income.
ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them.
URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances.
OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values.
Photography: Eric Roth Photo
OMNIA Group ArchitectsPerched above the beautiful Delaware River in the historic village of New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania sits this magnificent custom home designed by OMNIA Group Architects. According to Partner, Brian Mann,"This riverside property required a nuanced approach so that it could at once be both a part of this eclectic village streetscape and take advantage of the spectacular waterfront setting." Further complicating the study, the lot was narrow, it resides in the floodplain and the program required the Master Suite to be on the main level. To meet these demands, OMNIA dispensed with conventional historicist styles and created an open plan blended with traditional forms punctuated by vast rows of glass windows and doors to bring in the panoramic views of Lambertville, the bridge, the wooded opposite bank and the river. Mann adds, "Because I too live along the river, I have a special respect for its ever changing beauty - and I appreciate that riverfront structures have a responsibility to enhance the views from those on the water." Hence the riverside facade is as beautiful as the street facade. A sweeping front porch integrates the entry with the vibrant pedestrian streetscape. Low garden walls enclose a beautifully landscaped courtyard defining private space without turning its back on the street. Once inside, the natural setting explodes into view across the back of each of the main living spaces. For a home with so few walls, spaces feel surprisingly intimate and well defined. The foyer is elegant and features a free flowing curved stair that rises in a turret like enclosure dotted with windows that follow the ascending stairs like a sculpture. "Using changes in ceiling height, finish materials and lighting, we were able to define spaces without boxing spaces in" says Mann adding, "the dynamic horizontality of the river is echoed along the axis of the living space; the natural movement from kitchen to dining to living rooms following the current of the river." Service elements are concentrated along the front to create a visual and noise barrier from the street and buttress a calm hall that leads to the Master Suite. The master bedroom shares the views of the river, while the bath and closet program are set up for pure luxuriating. The second floor features a common loft area with a large balcony overlooking the water. Two children's suites flank the loft - each with their own exquisitely crafted baths and closets. Continuing the balance between street and river, an open air bell-tower sits above the entry porch to bring life and light to the street. Outdoor living was part of the program from the start. A covered porch with outdoor kitchen and dining and lounge area and a fireplace brings 3-season living to the river. And a lovely curved patio lounge surrounded by grand landscaping by LDG finishes the experience. OMNIA was able to bring their design talents to the finish materials too including cabinetry, lighting, fixtures, colors and furniture.
Fabricmate Wall Finishing Solutions This bedroom with horizontally banded fabric covered acoustic wall finishing with the Anchorage Panel Fabric Vanilla. This three band layout is great for full wall or room applications where covering a large amount of space is key!
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Lori Jolin Design, LLC.Sutter Photographers
The Hardware Studio - hardware
Martinwood Cabinetry - millwork
Studio GlassWorks - glass countertop
Window Design Center - awning window
Nonn's Showplace - quartz, granite countertops
• The kitchen was designed so everything has a home: spices, oils, knives, cookie sheets, awkward utensils, silverware, tupperware, trash receptacles, and a “stash spot” for when guests come over. Large pull-out drawers are great for pans and lids particularly on the back side (bottom of picture) of the island.
• A 36 inch Wolf gas stove and decorative hood that would hide the Wolf venting system. We added a soffit in the garage to allow for venting out of the exterior wall. This reduces the noise level of the system in the kitchen.
• Furniture legs, trim, decorative corbels, and valances were incorporated in some pieces to give it an upscale look.
O'Neil ArchitectsThis project features “found space” within the existing house. The original two story family room was too tall and out of scale with adjoining spaces, allowed noise from both floors to travel throughout the house, and was hard to heat and cool comfortably. Closing in and adding a second floor to the family room created two “new rooms”: an intimate and well scaled family room on the first floor, featuring a coffered ceiling, columns and built ins to create a level of detail missing from the original room; and a children’s play room on the second floor, which retains the slightly domed ceiling and octagon shape of the original family room to create a fun place for the children to play adjacent to their bedrooms. Thomas J. O'Neil
ZeroEnergy DesignThis renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income.
DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request.
MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic.
RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income.
ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them.
URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances.
OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values.
Cascade Outdoor DesignThe home was purchased as a vacation property and needed to be completely remodeled inside and out. Being from New Jersey, the homeowners wanted to capture a tranquil, tropical look with as little maintenance as possible. We removed a lot of hardscape from the front yard, to soften the curb appeal and introduce color and texture. The homeowners wanted the backyard to be a retreat where they could sit and enjoy the space, and fully embrace the 'vacation' aspect of the home. We created a two-level deck and patio, with outdoor kitchen, retractable screen, and pergola for entertaining. Raised planters soften the space, and an accent wall buffers noise from the air conditioner. We re-roofed an existing tiki hut, where the homeowner practices yoga, and incorporated statues found on site. Full property landscape lighting and drip irrigation were introduced and we re-landscaped the entire yard.
Photo by Pono Visual Expression
Vertical Construction Group LLCThe two new exterior decks finished off the project nicely. Loaded with great views, Ipe decking and custom sprial steel stair-case and guard-rails its a awesome hangout spot.
team3The A18 Residence is a townhouse renovation project located in the southern part of New Delhi. team3 was tasked with transforming the facade while minimising modifications to create a visually appealing and functional space that provides residents with a sense of peace and tranquillity.
Blurring the Boundaries Between Indoors and Outdoors
The driving force behind the project was to seamlessly infuse green elements into the building’s living spaces. This was achieved through a transparent living space that harmoniously bridges the divide between the interiors and the natural surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors allow for maximum natural light and ventilation, creating a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors. These windows are double-paned to help reduce noise pollution.
A defining feature of the project is its fully planted facade. A pragmatic approach was adopted to ensure the vitality of the greens. Plants are placed to be accessed via the staircase with landings to the balconies, avoiding the need to cross through the rooms for maintenance and sharing the responsibility of upkeep.
Effective Zoning to Enhance Functionality
The property's strategic location presented a dual-faced scenario, overlooking a small park at the rear and fronting a busy main road. To address the latter, a green strip and a service road were introduced as buffers to minimise noise intrusion. The green strip was designed to be unobtrusive, using low-maintenance materials and native plants that require minimal watering. The planted facade also adds a level of protection shielding the indoor environment from the noise and pollution of the adjoining road.
Sustainable Design with Shared Amenities and Accessible Maintenance
The A18 Residence is a single-family home designed for a family of four. The design process was collaborative, with the clients deeply engaged due to their keen interest in architectural aesthetics and sustainability. This collaboration led to the introduction of shared, energy-efficient amenities and resources, fostering efficiency. A terrace garden maintained with harvested rainwater also acts as a communal area for the family.
The balconies have been thoughtfully designed with an external staircase for convenient access and maintenance without compromising residents' privacy. The project unfolded organically across its various levels. On the ground floor, residents enjoy greenery from both front and rear gardens, offering a dynamic connection with nature. The first floor features a continuous living space that seamlessly merges with the lush surroundings. On the third floor, a strategically positioned courtyard artfully links to the rooftop terrace garden, extending the green narrative and providing panoramic views and a tangible connection to nature.
Solar panels on the roof provide electricity for common areas, while a rainwater harvesting system collects rainwater for irrigation. These features help to reduce the project's environmental impact and create a more sustainable urban lifestyle for its residents.
Blending Simplicity, Functionality, and Natural Light
The interiors of the A18 Residence are designed to complement the overall aesthetic of the project, with a focus on simplicity and functionality. The open-plan living space is flooded with natural light, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. Spacious, well-lit bedrooms feature private balconies that offer stunning views of the surrounding greenery. The landscape is an integral part of the design, providing residents with a tranquil oasis in the city.
The A18 Residence stands as an example of how innovative design and a collaborative approach can transform an existing building into a thriving urban oasis. Its focus on sustainability, functionality, and connection to nature makes it a model for sustainable living in the city.
O'Neil ArchitectsThis project features “found space” within the existing house. The original two story family room was too tall and out of scale with adjoining spaces, allowed noise from both floors to travel throughout the house, and was hard to heat and cool comfortably. Closing in and adding a second floor to the family room created two “new rooms”: an intimate and well scaled family room on the first floor, featuring a coffered ceiling, columns and built ins to create a level of detail missing from the original room; and a children’s play room on the second floor, which retains the slightly domed ceiling and octagon shape of the original family room to create a fun place for the children to play adjacent to their bedrooms. Thomas J. O'Neil
Cascade Outdoor DesignThe home was purchased as a vacation property and needed to be completely remodeled inside and out. Being from New Jersey, the homeowners wanted to capture a tranquil, tropical look with as little maintenance as possible. We removed a lot of hardscape from the front yard, to soften the curb appeal and introduce color and texture. The homeowners wanted the backyard to be a retreat where they could sit and enjoy the space, and fully embrace the 'vacation' aspect of the home. We created a two-level deck and patio, with outdoor kitchen, retractable screen, and pergola for entertaining. Raised planters soften the space, and an accent wall buffers noise from the air conditioner. We re-roofed an existing tiki hut, where the homeowner practices yoga, and incorporated statues found on site. Full property landscape lighting and drip irrigation were introduced and we re-landscaped the entire yard.
Photo by Pono Visual Expression
UpScapers: Landscape, Elevated
The goal for this project was to hide all the air-conditioning units in the inner courtyard of the hotel. Premium rooms looked directly out on to air-conditioning units that were unsightly and noisy when running. Vistafolia® was asked to design a wall that was at least 12 feet high to obscure the view, but also allow access for maintenance of the machinery.
We designed a timber-framed structure which we clad with Vistafolia® Signature Panels, adding additional foliage from our Color Boxes to create larger drifts of grasses and foliage with a small smash of color from some delicate light green/yellow flowers. The green wall privacy screen also provided an acoustic benefit, as it lowered the noise level of the air-conditioning units.
Lori Jolin Design, LLC.Sutter Photographers
The Hardware Studio - hardware
Martinwood Cabinetry - millwork
Studio GlassWorks - glass countertop
Window Design Center - awning window
Nonn's Showplace - quartz, granite countertops
• The kitchen was designed so everything has a home: spices, oils, knives, cookie sheets, awkward utensils, silverware, tupperware, trash receptacles, and a “stash spot” for when guests come over. Large pull-out drawers are great for pans and lids particularly on the back side (bottom of picture) of the island.
• A 36 inch Wolf gas stove and decorative hood that would hide the Wolf venting system. We added a soffit in the garage to allow for venting out of the exterior wall. This reduces the noise level of the system in the kitchen.
• Furniture legs, trim, decorative corbels, and valances were incorporated in some pieces to give it an upscale look.
UpScapers: Landscape, Elevated
The goal for this project was to hide all the air-conditioning units in the inner courtyard of the hotel. Premium rooms looked directly out on to air-conditioning units that were unsightly and noisy when running. Vistafolia® was asked to design a wall that was at least 12 feet high to obscure the view, but also allow access for maintenance of the machinery.
We designed a timber-framed structure which we clad with Vistafolia® Signature Panels, adding additional foliage from our Color Boxes to create larger drifts of grasses and foliage with a small smash of color from some delicate light green/yellow flowers. The green wall privacy screen also provided an acoustic benefit, as it lowered the noise level of the air-conditioning units.
Julie Schuster Design StudioWhite upholstered headboard with nailhead trim is a quiet backdrop for the colorful and noise floral bedding.
Julian McRoberts Photography
Art courtesy of Elizabeth Sadoff Art Advisory
Moore Architects, PCAnice Hoachlander
Elegant painted wood floor indoor basketball/tennis/multi-game court photo in DC Metro with blue walls
Elegant painted wood floor indoor basketball/tennis/multi-game court photo in DC Metro with blue walls
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations
Cascade Outdoor DesignThe home was purchased as a vacation property and needed to be completely remodeled inside and out. Being from New Jersey, the homeowners wanted to capture a tranquil, tropical look with as little maintenance as possible. We removed a lot of hardscape from the front yard, to soften the curb appeal and introduce color and texture. The homeowners wanted the backyard to be a retreat where they could sit and enjoy the space, and fully embrace the 'vacation' aspect of the home. We created a two-level deck and patio, with outdoor kitchen, retractable screen, and pergola for entertaining. Raised planters soften the space, and an accent wall buffers noise from the air conditioner. We re-roofed an existing tiki hut, where the homeowner practices yoga, and incorporated statues found on site. Full property landscape lighting and drip irrigation were introduced and we re-landscaped the entire yard.
Photo by Pono Visual Expression
SGDI - Sarah Gallop Design Inc.A video tour of this beautiful home:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbfy9PYTsBQ
Entry to home
Paul Grdina
Hurst Construction, IncBob Greenspan Photography
Example of a mid-sized mountain style concrete floor and brown floor basement design in Kansas City
Example of a mid-sized mountain style concrete floor and brown floor basement design in Kansas City
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