In the latest trends in kitchen remodel we have noticed the use of a warmer grey color for the kitchen cabinets. The finish on the cabinets is divided between sleek look or weathered look with aging details and the mix of both in the kitchen is fantastic. More glass doors with incorporated indirect lighting is the perfect way to show your favorite dishes but also helps create the coziness in your space. The focal points in the Spring/ Summer 2018 will be the hoods over the cook tops and the kitchen islands. The hoods will become bigger and more masculine but will have more decorative details to them so that they can draw attention and be the "hero". The islands are going to grow bigger so that they can perform the duty and perhaps replace the kitchenette table and to do so the new islands will be very specific in shape and functionality to each owner/ cook. To accomplish the new visions for the kitchen islands, we at Karin Ross Designs like to extend the size by adding different shapes of decorative feet and or shelving instead of having another roll of cabinetry under a bigger slab of counter top. By adding feet and or shelving for your cook books and such we convert the island in a big prep area but also in the much desired space to gather around the cook preparing the family meal. After all one of the best family secrets in accordance to some soap operas, are revealed around the table in the kitchen as the meal is been prepared....

When these homeowners needed new appliances, they used the opportunity to elevate their kitchen with a luxury partial remodel rooted in timeless Old World Mediterranean design. Since they had no plans to move, the goal was to create a more refined, functional kitchen that felt warm, intentional, and beautifully integrated with the existing home. By preserving the perimeter cabinetry and tile flooring, every new design decision was carefully selected to create a cohesive, custom-looking kitchen renovation. To enhance the existing cherry-stained cabinetry and eliminate the dust-collecting gap above the wall cabinets, we added 12 inches of layered crown molding, professionally stained to match the dark cherry finish. This created a seamless built-in appearance and added architectural richness to the luxury kitchen design. A bronze and glass multi-shelf display unit extended the visual line of the wall cabinetry, while a new 24-inch-deep cabinet above the refrigerator improved storage. The base cabinetry was also expanded with a beverage refrigerator and upgraded rollout drawers for more efficient, everyday kitchen functionality. Because the original island cabinetry was not functioning well for the homeowners, it was replaced with a custom kitchen island designed for beauty, storage, and performance. The new island cabinets were painted in an elegant gray-green finish, creating a refined contrast with the dark cherry perimeter cabinetry. Slender pullouts flanking the range keep spices and utensils organized within easy reach, while relocating the microwave below the island freed valuable counter space. On the seating side, tile was added beneath the island to protect the cabinetry from scuffs, creating a durable, thoughtful detail that supports everyday entertaining. A major luxury kitchen upgrade was replacing the failing island downdraft ventilation with a powerful ceiling-mounted statement hood. Custom made in hammered aged copper with graceful lines and dark bronze detailing, the ventilation hood became the dramatic focal point of the kitchen while complementing the cherry cabinetry and enhancing the Old World Mediterranean aesthetic. The homeowners had always disliked their double-bowl sink, so it was replaced with a large single workstation sink that dramatically improved prep, cleanup, and daily usability. The double wall ovens were upgraded to a steam oven and convection oven, while the lower drawer was replaced with a warming drawer that quickly became the client’s favorite and most-used appliance. These premium appliance upgrades brought modern performance into the timeless kitchen renovation. For the first time, the kitchen gained a backsplash, adding another layer of texture, polish, and luxury detail. A warm neutral polished marble tile in a large arabesque pattern offered a subtle nod to Mediterranean design while softening the transition between the dark cherry cabinetry, painted island, and updated appliances. The final finishing touch was replacing the outdated hardware. The original small round knobs on the 48-inch-tall wall cabinets were swapped for antique pewter linear pulls with an aged, muted finish, reinforcing the Old World kitchen style while giving the cabinetry a more tailored, elevated look. Every detail in this luxury kitchen remodel was chosen to refine the space, improve flow, and enhance functionality while making the new elements feel original to the home. The result is a warm, inviting, Old World Mediterranean kitchen that feels timeless, highly tailored, and beautifully suited to homeowners who love to cook and entertain.

This 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. Eric Roth Photo

Nestled in a wooded area in the Pacific Northwest, the 1800 sf Passive Cedar Haus was built as a retirement home. The Artisans Group designed the layout of the home, mindful of aging in place, and working to ensure that the home blended in with the surrounding natural beauty. The project meets a complex program, with an unheated sleeping porch for a master bedroom, a screened porch, a 600 sf caretakers apartment/mother in law unit, large wood shop, plus a two car carport. The home seamlessly integrates a floating cedar tongue and groove roof with large sheltering overhangs, clerestory windows, and language of cedar slats for privacy screens and doors inside and out. The warm, natural materials of wood and cork for the interior palette are punctuated by lively accents and stunning fixtures. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living area, gives an expansive view of the surrounding Northwest forest. The tops of these windows reveal the interior cedar clad and the up-swept soffits on the home’s exterior, creating a floating ceiling effect. Slatted spruce wood fly-overs break up the vertical areas of the great room and define separate areas that would otherwise feel like an overwhelmingly expansive space. Photography by: Cheryl Ramsay of Ramsay Photography

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Two Weathered Antique Box Beams in dark gray brown tones with deep checking and heavily textured aged surface cross the ceiling of this contemporary white kitchen as a dramatic accent. The raw, weathered character of the reclaimed wood contrasts beautifully with the polished marble, white cabinetry, and navy millwork, creating a sophisticated modern rustic combination where the beams serve as the sole rustic element in an otherwise refined space. This install shows exactly how Weathered Antique Box Beams can elevate a contemporary kitchen without disrupting a clean, polished palette. At Manomin Resawn Timbers, every piece goes through a detailed process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling so that antique character is preserved while performing beautifully in a modern home. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner looking to add a reclaimed wood accent to a contemporary kitchen or modern interior, Manomin Resawn Timbers has been helping people discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood since 2002. We serve homebuilders, contractors, and designers across the country. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to get started. Mark D. Williams Custom Home

Nestled in a wooded area in the Pacific Northwest, the 1800 sf Passive Cedar Haus was built as a retirement home. The Artisans Group designed the layout of the home, mindful of aging in place, and working to ensure that the home blended in with the surrounding natural beauty. The project meets a complex program, with an unheated sleeping porch for a master bedroom, a screened porch, a 600 sf caretakers apartment/mother in law unit, large wood shop, plus a two car carport. The home seamlessly integrates a floating cedar tongue and groove roof with large sheltering overhangs, clerestory windows, and language of cedar slats for privacy screens and doors inside and out. The warm, natural materials of wood and cork for the interior palette are punctuated by lively accents and stunning fixtures. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living area, gives an expansive view of the surrounding Northwest forest. The tops of these windows reveal the interior cedar clad and the up-swept soffits on the home’s exterior, creating a floating ceiling effect. Slatted spruce wood fly-overs break up the vertical areas of the great room and define separate areas that would otherwise feel like an overwhelmingly expansive space. Photography by: Cheryl Ramsay of Ramsay Photography

This project’s owner originally contacted Sunspace because they needed to replace an outdated, leaking sunroom on their North Hampton, New Hampshire property. The aging sunroom was set on a fieldstone foundation that was beginning to show signs of wear in the uppermost layer. The client’s vision involved repurposing the ten foot by ten foot area taken up by the original sunroom structure in order to create the perfect space for a new home office. Sunspace Design stepped in to help make that vision a reality. We began the design process by carefully assessing what the client hoped to achieve. Working together, we soon realized that a glass conservatory would be the perfect replacement. Our custom conservatory design would allow great natural light into the home while providing structure for the desired office space. Because the client’s beautiful home featured a truly unique style, the principal challenge we faced was ensuring that the new conservatory would seamlessly blend with the surrounding architectural elements on the interior and exterior. We utilized large, Marvin casement windows and a hip design for the glass roof. The interior of the home featured an abundance of wood, so the conservatory design featured a wood interior stained to match. The end result of this collaborative process was a beautiful conservatory featured at the front of the client’s home. The new space authentically matches the original construction, the leaky sunroom is no longer a problem, and our client was left with a home office space that’s bright and airy. The large casements provide a great view of the exterior landscape and let in incredible levels of natural light. And because the space was outfitted with energy efficient glass, spray foam insulation, and radiant heating, this conservatory is a true four season glass space that our client will be able to enjoy throughout the year.

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Project Designed & Built by: artisansgroup Certifications: Energy Star & Built Green Lvl 4 Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

In the latest trends in kitchen remodel we have noticed the use of a warmer grey color for the kitchen cabinets. The finish on the cabinets is divided between sleek look or weathered look with aging details and the mix of both in the kitchen is fantastic. More glass doors with incorporated indirect lighting is the perfect way to show your favorite dishes but also helps create the coziness in your space. The focal points in the Spring/ Summer 2018 will be the hoods over the cook tops and the kitchen islands. The hoods will become bigger and more masculine but will have more decorative details to them so that they can draw attention and be the "hero". The islands are going to grow bigger so that they can perform the duty and perhaps replace the kitchenette table and to do so the new islands will be very specific in shape and functionality to each owner/ cook. To accomplish the new visions for the kitchen islands, we at Karin Ross Designs like to extend the size by adding different shapes of decorative feet and or shelving instead of having another roll of cabinetry under a bigger slab of counter top. By adding feet and or shelving for your cook books and such we convert the island in a big prep area but also in the much desired space to gather around the cook preparing the family meal. After all one of the best family secrets in accordance to some soap operas, are revealed around the table in the kitchen as the meal is been prepared....

In the latest trends in kitchen remodel we have noticed the use of a warmer grey color for the kitchen cabinets. The finish on the cabinets is divided between sleek look or weathered look with aging details and the mix of both in the kitchen is fantastic. More glass doors with incorporated indirect lighting is the perfect way to show your favorite dishes but also helps create the coziness in your space. The focal points in the Spring/ Summer 2018 will be the hoods over the cook tops and the kitchen islands. The hoods will become bigger and more masculine but will have more decorative details to them so that they can draw attention and be the "hero". The islands are going to grow bigger so that they can perform the duty and perhaps replace the kitchenette table and to do so the new islands will be very specific in shape and functionality to each owner/ cook. To accomplish the new visions for the kitchen islands, we at Karin Ross Designs like to extend the size by adding different shapes of decorative feet and or shelving instead of having another roll of cabinetry under a bigger slab of counter top. By adding feet and or shelving for your cook books and such we convert the island in a big prep area but also in the much desired space to gather around the cook preparing the family meal. After all one of the best family secrets in accordance to some soap operas, are revealed around the table in the kitchen as the meal is been prepared....

This wider angle of the same contemporary lake home living room shows two Weathered Antique Box Beams in silvered gray brown tones crossing the vaulted ceiling from end to end, giving a clear sense of how the minimal beam application scales to the full room. Against the white ceiling, white walls, and black window frames framing the lake and tree views beyond, the naturally aged texture of these old growth hardwoods provides just the right amount of warmth and material interest. This view shows that you do not need a full beam system to make a meaningful impact. Two well placed Weathered Antique Box Beams are all it takes to ground a large, light filled contemporary interior. At Manomin Resawn Timbers, every piece goes through a detailed process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling so that antique character is preserved while performing beautifully in a modern home. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner looking to add reclaimed wood accent beams to a contemporary living room or lake home, Manomin Resawn Timbers has been helping people discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood since 2002. We serve homebuilders, contractors, and designers across the country. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to get started. Mark D. Williams Custom Home

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Project Designed & Built by: artisansgroup Certifications: Energy Star & Built Green Lvl 4 Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Project Designed & Built by: artisansgroup Certifications: Energy Star & Built Green Lvl 4 Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

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

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

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

Weathered Antique Flooring brings warm reddish brown and honey tones into this open kitchen and living space, flowing beneath a stone fireplace wall and dark cabinetry for a rich, grounded feel with expansive lake views beyond. Sourced from joists, roof boards, decking, and walls of late 19th and early 20th century structures, this reclaimed wood flooring carries a natural patina that only comes from a century of weathering and aging. At Manomin Resawn Timbers, every board goes through a detailed process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling, so the antique character is preserved while the flooring performs beautifully in a modern home. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner looking to bring reclaimed wood flooring into a kitchen, living room, or any room in your home, Manomin Resawn Timbers has been helping people discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood since 2002. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to get started. Highmark Builders Home Photo Credit: Spacecrafting Photography

This project’s owner originally contacted Sunspace because they needed to replace an outdated, leaking sunroom on their North Hampton, New Hampshire property. The aging sunroom was set on a fieldstone foundation that was beginning to show signs of wear in the uppermost layer. The client’s vision involved repurposing the ten foot by ten foot area taken up by the original sunroom structure in order to create the perfect space for a new home office. Sunspace Design stepped in to help make that vision a reality. We began the design process by carefully assessing what the client hoped to achieve. Working together, we soon realized that a glass conservatory would be the perfect replacement. Our custom conservatory design would allow great natural light into the home while providing structure for the desired office space. Because the client’s beautiful home featured a truly unique style, the principal challenge we faced was ensuring that the new conservatory would seamlessly blend with the surrounding architectural elements on the interior and exterior. We utilized large, Marvin casement windows and a hip design for the glass roof. The interior of the home featured an abundance of wood, so the conservatory design featured a wood interior stained to match. The end result of this collaborative process was a beautiful conservatory featured at the front of the client’s home. The new space authentically matches the original construction, the leaky sunroom is no longer a problem, and our client was left with a home office space that’s bright and airy. The large casements provide a great view of the exterior landscape and let in incredible levels of natural light. And because the space was outfitted with energy efficient glass, spray foam insulation, and radiant heating, this conservatory is a true four season glass space that our client will be able to enjoy throughout the year.