Search results for "Outages" in Home Design Ideas

The Altair Series direct vent gas fireplaces deliver a clean-faced design featuring an enticing view of realistic flames that create a true masonry-built look. Combined with multiple options, the Altair Series will create a warm and inviting feeling in your home.
Exclusive Features
Available in 40” and 45” clean-faced models
Combo Top/Rear flue configuration
Millivolt or electronic ignition with seamless battery backup provides continue operation in the event of a power outage (IPI/CPI switch standard)
Standard tempered glass
Beautifully crafted ceramic fiber logset with diamond shaped heavy-duty grate
Black painted interior (optional liners available)
Durable textured powder coat finish
Optional blower and remote control available for all models
Limited lifetime warranty
This fireplace meets all 2015 ANSI barrier requirements.

We are electrical contractors. We do back-up power installations and full off-grid installations
We do the installation of petrol or diesel generators, with automatic or manual change over switches. We install inverters with battery banks (12 Volt | 24 Volt | 48 Volt) and (photovoltaic) solar panels with charge controllers.
We do the installation of manual or automatic change-over switches for switching between Eskom power and generator power during power failures | load shedding.
We service the Greater Johannesburg area, including Sandton, Roodepoort, Randburg and surrounding areas.
For more information, please contact us.
Contact: Tom le Grange
Cell Phone / WhatsApp: 084 502 4164
Email: legrange.tom@gmail.com
Find the right local pro for your project

We are electrical contractors. We do back-up power installations and full off-grid installations
We do the installation of petrol or diesel generators, with automatic or manual change over switches. We install inverters with battery banks (12 Volt | 24 Volt | 48 Volt) and (photovoltaic) solar panels with charge controllers.
We do the installation of manual or automatic change-over switches for switching between Eskom power and generator power during power failures | load shedding.
We service the Greater Johannesburg area, including Sandton, Roodepoort, Randburg and surrounding areas.
For more information, please contact us.
Contact: Tom le Grange
Cell Phone / WhatsApp: 084 502 4164
Email: legrange.tom@gmail.com

We are electrical contractors. We do back-up power installations and full off-grid installations
We do the installation of petrol or diesel generators, with automatic or manual change over switches. We install inverters with battery banks (12 Volt | 24 Volt | 48 Volt) and (photovoltaic) solar panels with charge controllers.
We do the installation of manual or automatic change-over switches for switching between Eskom power and generator power during power failures | load shedding.
We service the Greater Johannesburg area, including Sandton, Roodepoort, Randburg and surrounding areas.
For more information, please contact us.
Contact: Tom le Grange
Cell Phone / WhatsApp: 084 502 4164
Email: legrange.tom@gmail.com

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood.
INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site.
EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot.
THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place.
HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde.
YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting.
ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements.
RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage.
OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet.
ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer
Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor
Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering
Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design
Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings
Eric Roth Photography - Photography

The DRT4040/45 combines traditional fireplace style and exceptional value. Equipped with appealing standard features, the DRT4040/45 also allows simple versatility with a number of optional features. If a “superior” fireplace is what you seek, then the DRT4040/45 is the right choice.
EXCLUSIVE FEATURES
Available in 40” and 45” clean-faced models
Combo Top/Rear flue configuration
Millivolt or electronic ignition with seamless battery backup provides continue operation
in the event of a power outage (IPI/CPI switch standard)
Standard tempered glass and 2015 ANSI barrier compliant
Beautifully crafted ceramic fiber logset with diamond shaped heavy-duty grate
Black painted interior (optional liners available)
Durable textured powder coat finish
Optional blower and remote control available for all models
20 year limited warranty
This fireplace meets all 2015 ANSI barrier requirements.

The DRT2000 Series offers excellent value without compromising on quality or design. These fireplaces offer an array of standard features, increased performance and state of the art technology to ensure many years of beauty and warmth.
Features
Available in 33”, 35”, 40” and 45” radiant smooth faced models
Dedicated top or rear flue configuration (45” model is a combo top/rear)
Millivolt (Remote-ready) or electronic ignition with battery backup
Operates in the event of a power outage
Random, dancing yellow flames
Up to 65.5% AFUE
Standard tempered glass
Fireplace includes standard barrier that meets 2015 requirements
Detailed ceramic fiber “aged oak” log set
Black painted interior
Durable textured powder coat finish
Optional blower and remote controls available for all models
20 year limited warranty
This fireplace meets all 2015 ANSI barrier requirements.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood.
INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site.
EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot.
THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place.
HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde.
YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting.
ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements.
RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage.
OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet.
ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer
Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor
Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering
Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design
Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings
Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space.
Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings.
Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes.
Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command.
Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models.
Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices.
Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor.
Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated.
If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

Rolling Shutters are the perfect way to protect your home or business against extreme weather conditions and storm damage. These hurricane-approved rolling shutters undergo extensive testing to ensure durability and effectiveness, plus they look great on your homes and businesses.
Rolling Shutters are a great choice for homes and businesses in that want powerful storm protection. They are specially designed to blend into a building’s architecture. Even when a multi-story building is completed in different phases, rolling shutters will look consistent. Electric Rolling shutters can be opened and closed with the flip of a switch. Manual roll down options and battery-operated systems are also available. They are great in case of a power outage.
Engineered to protect large windows and doors, the unique design allows the shutters to rolling up into the smallest housing box available in the industry. We also offer curved, beveled, or square housings to further blend into your home’s architecture.

Recently Tudor Mechanical team installed Mitsubishi 42K BTU 5-Zone Heat Pump Unit for a new customer in Westchester county Ny. If you want to get this unit installed with professional and specialized technicians then you are one call away. Our specialized and professional technicians will install this unit and other units whenever you want with best price on market. Our technicians have PHD on HVAC and are insured. Mitsubishi (MXZ-5C42NA*) is an extremely efficient unit that can connect to a variety of indoor unit types and can handle three zones (indoor units). This outdoor unit allows you to connect a wide variety of indoor units ranging up to 53,300 BTU.
Blue Fin anti-corrosion treatment applied to heat exchanger for increased coil protection and longer life.
The outdoor unit powers the indoor units, and should a power outage occur, the system is automatically restarted when power returns.
Quiet outdoor unit operation
Intelligent Power Module (IPM) for reduced power loss
High pressure switch for additional protection.
Your comfort is our pleasure!
Tudor Mechanical Your Climate Partner!

The DRL4543 direct vent gas fireplace is a versatile linear design for a dramatic appearance. Standard features include ceramic glass and in-floor lighting to illuminate a variety of colorful glass pebbles. The large viewing area provides an uninterrupted display of the active flame pattern. Available in indoor or indoor/outdoor see through configurations, the DRL4543 provides endless possibilities for any modern living area.
EXCLUSIVE FEATURES
43” front open linear configuration
See through conversion kits available to transform the fireplace into a see through model or indoor/outdoor see through model
Gas controls are conveniently hidden in the fireplace floor
Electronic ignition with battery backup to operate in the event of a power outage
Active, dancing flames help to accentuate the ambiance in any room
Seven flame settings for precise heat control
Clean-face design features ceramic glass for optimum heat transfer and 2015 ANSI barrier compliant
Three-piece black porcelain interior liners
Mood enhancing fireplace interior lighting, with six distinctive illumination settings
Optional decorative face trim in three designer options
Deluxe remote control (Flame, lighting, IPI/CPI)
Now uses IHP SV4.5 vent pipe
20 year limited warranty
This fireplace meets all 2015 ANSI barrier requirements.

Rollscreens paired with roll down storm shutters on a beach front application.
Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space.
Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings.
Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes.
Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command.
Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models.
Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices.
Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor.
Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated.
If you would like more information about Retractable Screens or Rolling Shutters, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

Modest, yet refined, the new DRT3000 Series direct-vent gas fireplaces combine beauty, efficiency and value. These fireplaces offer a clean-face heat circulating design combined with a beautiful energy saving flame, glowing embers, and oak logs for a realistic touch. To suit the mood of the occasion, you have complete comfort and flame control with high and low settings that are operated from the flip of a wall switch. New controls offer energy saving pilotless ignition with standard seamless battery backup, so you can count on your fireplace to provide heat even during a power outage. DRT3000 Series gas fireplaces are also a leader in heating efficiency and cost less to operate. With optional accessories like remote control and stylish interior liners, you can customize the DRT3000 fireplace to enhance any room.

Tiny floor recessed LEDs provide lighting for late night trips to the fridge
Inspiration for a huge contemporary u-shaped dark wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, paneled appliances and an island
Inspiration for a huge contemporary u-shaped dark wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, paneled appliances and an island

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/

The captivating DRC3000 Series is the quintessence of modern hearth. Fashioned with an elegant two-piece façade, porcelain liners, and black crushed glass media, the DRC3000 standard features represent dapper simplicity. Optional features like high-definition driftwood logs and tumbled river stones punctuate its contemporary appeal. The DRC3000 is modern value at its best.
FEATURES
Available in 35” and 40” clean-faced models
Combo top/rear flue configuration for all models
Electronic ignition with seamless battery backup to provide continued operation in the event of a power outage (IPI/CPI switch conveniently hidden on façade base, standard)
Wall switch provides variable flame settings
Outstanding heating efficiency for increased comfort and lower operating costs
Standard two-piece façade in black, stainless or mixed
Standard tempered glass and 2015 ANSI barrier compliant
Reflective crushed glass media available in a variety of colors
Full three-piece black reflective porcelain liners
Optional On/Off remote control and blower available for all models
20 year limited warranty

The DRC2000 Series offers excellent value without compromising on quality or design. These fireplaces offer an array of standard features, increased performance and state of the art technology to ensure many years of beauty and warmth.
Features
Available in 33”, 35”, 40” and 45” radiant smooth-faced models
Dedicated top or rear flue configuration (45” model is a combo top/rear)
Millivolt (Remote-ready) or electronic ignition with battery backup
Operates in the event of a power outage
Beautiful flame that rises through reflective black crushed glass media
Up to 65.5% AFUE
Standard tempered glass
Fireplace includes standard barrier that meets 2015 requirements
Black painted interior
Durable textured powder coat finish
Optional blower and remote controls available for all models
20 year limited warranty
This fireplace meets all 2015 ANSI barrier requirements.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood.
INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site.
EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot.
THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place.
HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde.
YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting.
ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements.
RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage.
OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet.
ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer
Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor
Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering
Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design
Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings
Eric Roth Photography - Photography
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