Old lawn was transformed into a drought-resistant garden offering ever-changing colors and textures. Turf removal rebate from the local water agency helped offset the cost. A new stucco wall with iron gates were built to create an enclosed porch/courtyard to give homeowners a much-needed buffer between their home and the hustle and bustle of a big city . Recycled bricks grace the new wide walkway and enclosed porch. Photo: April Rocha Photography

California native plants support wildlife, require low maintenance, prevent erosion, and offer natural beauty to the winter
Design ideas for a mid-sized front yard mulch landscaping.

Old lawn was transformed into a drought-resistant garden offering ever-changing colors and textures. Turf removal rebate from the local water agency helped offset the cost. A new stucco wall with iron gates were built to create an enclosed porch/courtyard to give homeowners a much-needed buffer between their home and the hustle and bustle of a big city . Recycled bricks grace the new wide walkway and enclosed porch. Photo: April Rocha Photography

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Our designer has achieved a stylish look by combining dark cabinets and light-colored marbles.

Old lawn was transformed into a drought-resistant garden offering ever-changing colors and textures. Turf removal rebate from the local water agency helped offset the cost. A new stucco wall with iron gates were built to create an enclosed porch/courtyard to give homeowners a much-needed buffer between their home and the hustle and bustle of a big city . Recycled bricks grace the new wide walkway and enclosed porch. Photo: April Rocha Photography

Old lawn was transformed into a drought-resistant garden offering ever-changing colors and textures. Turf removal rebate from the local water agency helped offset the cost. A new stucco wall with iron gates were built to create an enclosed porch/courtyard to give homeowners a much-needed buffer between their home and the hustle and bustle of a big city . Recycled bricks grace the new wide walkway and enclosed porch.

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center 26767 Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone 818.880.0011 Fax 818.880.0411 12050 Ventura Blvd.,Studio City, CA 91604 Phone 818.755.1111 Fax 818.755.9111 Since the introduction of the first self-ventilated range and oven in 1961 and downdraft ventilated range in 1965, Jenn-Air brand has consistently grown its reputation as a technology and design innovator. Save up to $4,498 with Purchase of Select Jenn-Air Brand Appliances during the "Your Purchase, Your Reward” and "Fire & Ice" rebates* *Limited time only. See Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center for complete details. Offer valid in the U.S.A. through December 31st, 2014.

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

Huper Optik Fusion 40 home window film installed by Window Tint LA in Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 Hüper Optik Fusion Films use a fusion of technologies of performance, aesthetics, neutral tones, and sustainability: providing the advantages of affordability and high heat rejection. Fusion Films deliver privacy, comfort and energy efficiency year round: reducing high energy bills, preventing temperature variances and hot spots, and rejecting infrared and ultraviolet light rays. Offered in four Visible Light Transmission, Fusion 10, 20, 30, and 40, installations of the Fusion line of film come with Huper Optiks lifetime residential warranty; matching or exceeding even the most comprehensive glass and window coverage. When you choose to invest in Fusion Films, your investment could qualify for federal tax rebates and state incentives.

Patio - patio idea in Charlotte

Huper Optik Fusion 40 home window film installed by Window Tint LA in Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 Hüper Optik Fusion Films use a fusion of technologies of performance, aesthetics, neutral tones, and sustainability: providing the advantages of affordability and high heat rejection. Fusion Films deliver privacy, comfort and energy efficiency year round: reducing high energy bills, preventing temperature variances and hot spots, and rejecting infrared and ultraviolet light rays. Offered in four Visible Light Transmission, Fusion 10, 20, 30, and 40, installations of the Fusion line of film come with Huper Optiks lifetime residential warranty; matching or exceeding even the most comprehensive glass and window coverage. When you choose to invest in Fusion Films, your investment could qualify for federal tax rebates and state incentives.

The living room is designed with sloping ceilings up to about 14' tall. The large windows connect the living spaces with the outdoors, allowing for sweeping views of Lake Washington. The north wall of the living room is designed with the fireplace as the focal point. + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design + Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com + Built by: Carlisle Classic Homes + Photography: Christopher Nelson Photography #kirklandarchitect #greenhome #builtgreenkirkland #sustainablehome

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center 26767 Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone 818.880.0011 Fax 818.880.0411 12050 Ventura Blvd.,Studio City, CA 91604 Phone 818.755.1111 Fax 818.755.9111 Since the introduction of the first self-ventilated range and oven in 1961 and downdraft ventilated range in 1965, Jenn-Air brand has consistently grown its reputation as a technology and design innovator. Save up to $4,498 with Purchase of Select Jenn-Air Brand Appliances during the "Your Purchase, Your Reward” and "Fire & Ice" rebates* *Limited time only. See Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center for complete details. Offer valid in the U.S.A. through December 31st, 2014.

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center 26767 Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone 818.880.0011 Fax 818.880.0411 12050 Ventura Blvd.,Studio City, CA 91604 Phone 818.755.1111 Fax 818.755.9111 Since the introduction of the first self-ventilated range and oven in 1961 and downdraft ventilated range in 1965, Jenn-Air brand has consistently grown its reputation as a technology and design innovator. Save up to $4,498 with Purchase of Select Jenn-Air Brand Appliances during the "Your Purchase, Your Reward” and "Fire & Ice" rebates* *Limited time only. See Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center for complete details. Offer valid in the U.S.A. through December 31st, 2014.

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center 26767 Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone 818.880.0011 Fax 818.880.0411 12050 Ventura Blvd.,Studio City, CA 91604 Phone 818.755.1111 Fax 818.755.9111 Since the introduction of the first self-ventilated range and oven in 1961 and downdraft ventilated range in 1965, Jenn-Air brand has consistently grown its reputation as a technology and design innovator. Save up to $4,498 with Purchase of Select Jenn-Air Brand Appliances during the "Your Purchase, Your Reward” and "Fire & Ice" rebates* *Limited time only. See Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center for complete details. Offer valid in the U.S.A. through December 31st, 2014.

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center 26767 Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone 818.880.0011 Fax 818.880.0411 12050 Ventura Blvd.,Studio City, CA 91604 Phone 818.755.1111 Fax 818.755.9111 Since the introduction of the first self-ventilated range and oven in 1961 and downdraft ventilated range in 1965, Jenn-Air brand has consistently grown its reputation as a technology and design innovator. Save up to $4,498 with Purchase of Select Jenn-Air Brand Appliances during the "Your Purchase, Your Reward” and "Fire & Ice" rebates* *Limited time only. See Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center for complete details. Offer valid in the U.S.A. through December 31st, 2014.

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography