Michael J Lee
Example of a transitional family room design in Boston with white walls

This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income. FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own. SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio. MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch. SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf) RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property. COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort. ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements. OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income. PROJECT TEAM ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry Lisa Finch - Original Artwork European Architectural Supply - Windows Eric Roth Photography - Photography

This area joins the gym area with the stairway with the sitting area and comes complete with a swing for the lofted area. The project was timber framed from the repurposed timbers of a tobacco barn and utilizes the stone and plank flooring throughout with aluminum ceiling sheets under Structural Insulated Panels. Timer Framer: Lancaster County Timber Frames /General Contractor: Historic Restorations

Who doesn't love the elegant look of a personalized door mat? This makes a wonderful house warming gift, wedding gift, Christmas gift or any gift! But don't forget about yourself. We think this mat would look awesome in front of your door too! We call our mats Coco "Not" because unlike ordinary coco mats made out of scratchy coir, ours don't shed or shred, they are anti-bacterial, don't mold, mildew or hold water, and are soft enough to walk on but rough enough to catch the dust and dirt. Cleaning is a breeze. Use a broom for a light dusting or hose off with water to remove heavier soiling. Our mats are inlaid, not printed & are finished with a non-slip backing that keeps them in place to perform better than any other entry mat made today. Every mat is made to order and you can customize yours just the way you want it. We are working on setting up our International order/shipping charges. In the meantime email us with your International shipping request and we will get back to you with a quote.

modern kitchen marble backsplash minimal design clerestory windows
Example of a trendy light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, multicolored backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Kat Alves Photography
Trendy dark wood floor living room photo in Sacramento with beige walls

Who doesn't love the elegant look of a personalized door mat? This makes a wonderful house warming gift, wedding gift, Christmas gift or any gift! But don't forget about yourself. We think this mat would look awesome in front of your door too! We call our mats Coco "Not" because unlike ordinary coco mats made out of scratchy coir, ours don't shed or shred, they are anti-bacterial, don't mold, mildew or hold water, and are soft enough to walk on but rough enough to catch the dust and dirt. Cleaning is a breeze. Use a broom for a light dusting or hose off with water to remove heavier soiling. Our mats are inlaid, not printed & are finished with a non-slip backing that keeps them in place to perform better than any other entry mat made today. Every mat is made to order and you can customize yours just the way you want it. We are working on setting up our International order/shipping charges. In the meantime email us with your International shipping request and we will get back to you with a quote.

Wolf 30" E Series Transitional Built-In Single Oven Stainless Steel | SO30TE Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com New stainless steel touch-control panel: A favorite of chefs, the easy-to-master control panel now has a sleeker, cleaner look, with the same precise control of temperature, timer and mode settings — all visible via crisp LCD display. Coordinated design styles: Built to beautifully complement other Wolf products such as microwaves and warming drawers, ovens are available in three coordinating trim styles for easy customization. Dual convection: Two dedicated heating elements distribute heat evenly throughout the oven, for faster and better-tasting results — especially when using multiple racks at once. 10 one-touch cooking modes: Each mode uses a distinct combination of heat source and airflow, providing the right cooking environment for every dish and ensuring delicious results. Cobalt blue porcelain interiors: Wolf's signature aesthetics enhance the ovens' interior, creating a bold cooking backdrop. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Smooth door opening and closing: Say goodbye to the sound of oven-door slams. Doors on built-in E series ovens open and close quietly and effortlessly, thanks to a balanced door hinge system. Home automation compatible: Select built-in E series oven features can be controlled via an existing home automation system for enhanced convenience. Convenient features: Ease-of-use is enhanced with self-clean, delayed start, timed cook and Sabbath mode settings. Adjustable oven racks: Each built-in E series oven comes standard with three adjustable racks: one standard rack, one full-extension easy-glide rack and one full-extension door-glide rack — placing heavier dishes safely within reach. Obstacle-free cooking environment: A hidden bake element allows for obstacle-free cleaning of the oven's floor, and a recessed broil element provides more room for large dishes. Design flexibility: Built-in E series ovens can be installed flush with surrounding cabinetry to complement an overall integrated kitchen design. Enhanced interior views: Large, double-pane glass door windows and bright, dual halogen lights give you a clear view of your dish without having to open the door and disturb the cooking environment. Technical Features: Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 27 7/8"H x 23 3/4"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

Who doesn't love the elegant look of a personalized door mat? This makes a wonderful house warming gift, wedding gift, Christmas gift or any gift! But don't forget about yourself. We think this mat would look awesome in front of your door too! We call our mats Coco "Not" because unlike ordinary coco mats made out of scratchy coir, ours don't shed or shred, they are anti-bacterial, don't mold, mildew or hold water, and are soft enough to walk on but rough enough to catch the dust and dirt. Cleaning is a breeze. Use a broom for a light dusting or hose off with water to remove heavier soiling. Our mats are inlaid, not printed & are finished with a non-slip backing that keeps them in place to perform better than any other entry mat made today. Every mat is made to order and you can customize yours just the way you want it. We are working on setting up our International order/shipping charges. In the meantime email us with your International shipping request and we will get back to you with a quote.

Andrea Pesce Photography
Example of a classic formal medium tone wood floor living room design in Grand Rapids with gray walls

Who doesn't love the elegant look of a personalized door mat? This makes a wonderful house warming gift, wedding gift, Christmas gift or any gift! But don't forget about yourself. We think this mat would look awesome in front of your door too! We call our mats Coco "Not" because unlike ordinary coco mats made out of scratchy coir, ours don't shed or shred, they are anti-bacterial, don't mold, mildew or hold water, and are soft enough to walk on but rough enough to catch the dust and dirt. Cleaning is a breeze. Use a broom for a light dusting or hose off with water to remove heavier soiling. Our mats are inlaid, not printed & are finished with a non-slip backing that keeps them in place to perform better than any other entry mat made today. Every mat is made to order and you can customize yours just the way you want it. We are working on setting up our International order/shipping charges. In the meantime email us with your International shipping request and we will get back to you with a quote.

Wolf 30" E Series Transitional Built-In Double Oven Stainless Steel | DO30TE Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com New stainless steel touch-control panel: A favorite of chefs, the easy-to-master control panel now has a sleeker, cleaner look, with the same precise control of temperature, timer and mode settings — all visible via crisp LCD display. Coordinated design styles: Built to beautifully complement other Wolf products such as microwaves and warming drawers, ovens are available in three coordinating trim styles for easy customization. Dual convection: Two dedicated heating elements distribute heat evenly throughout the oven, for faster and better-tasting results — especially when using multiple racks at once. 10 one-touch cooking modes: Each mode uses a distinct combination of heat source and airflow, providing the right cooking environment for every dish and ensuring delicious results. Cobalt blue porcelain interiors: Wolf's signature aesthetics enhance the ovens' interior, creating a bold cooking backdrop. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Smooth door opening and closing: Say goodbye to the sound of oven-door slams. Doors on built-in E series ovens open and close quietly and effortlessly, thanks to a balanced door hinge system. Home automation compatible: Select built-in E series oven features can be controlled via an existing home automation system for enhanced convenience. Convenient features: Ease-of-use is enhanced with self-clean, delayed start, timed cook and Sabbath mode settings. Lower oven features: The lower oven is a standard, non-convection oven offering four cooking modes (bake, broil, roast and proof). Adjustable oven racks: Each built-in E series oven comes standard with three adjustable racks: one standard rack, one full-extension easy-glide rack and one full-extension door-glide rack — placing heavier dishes safely within reach. Obstacle-free cooking environment: A hidden bake element allows for obstacle-free cleaning of the oven's floor, and a recessed broil element provides more room for large dishes. Design flexibility: Built-in E series ovens can be installed flush with surrounding cabinetry to complement an overall integrated kitchen design. Enhanced interior views: Large, double-pane glass door windows and bright, dual halogen lights give you a clear view of your dish without having to open the door and disturb the cooking environment. Technical Features: Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 50 3/8"H x 23 3/4"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

Wolf 30" E Series Contemporary Built-In Single Oven Black | SO30CE Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com Coordinated design styles: Built to beautifully complement other Wolf products such as microwaves and warming drawers, ovens are available in three coordinating trim styles for easy customization. Dual convection: Two dedicated heating elements distribute heat evenly throughout the oven, for faster and better-tasting results — especially when using multiple racks at once. 10 one-touch cooking modes: Each mode uses a distinct combination of heat source and airflow, providing the right cooking environment for every dish and ensuring delicious results. Cobalt blue porcelain interiors: Wolf's signature aesthetics enhance the ovens' interior, creating a bold cooking backdrop. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Smooth door opening and closing: Say goodbye to the sound of oven-door slams. Doors on built-in E series ovens open and close quietly and effortlessly, thanks to a balanced door hinge system. Home automation compatible: Select built-in E series oven features can be controlled via an existing home automation system for enhanced convenience. Convenient features: Ease-of-use is enhanced with self-clean, delayed start, timed cook and Sabbath mode settings. Adjustable oven racks: Each built-in E series oven comes standard with three adjustable racks: one standard rack, one full-extension easy-glide rack and one full-extension door-glide rack — placing heavier dishes safely within reach. Obstacle-free cooking environment: A hidden bake element allows for obstacle-free cleaning of the oven's floor, and a recessed broil element provides more room for large dishes. Design flexibility: Built-in E series ovens can be installed flush with surrounding cabinetry to complement an overall integrated kitchen design. Enhanced interior views: Large, double-pane glass door windows and bright, dual halogen lights give you a clear view of your dish without having to open the door and disturb the cooking environment. Technical Features: Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 27 7/8"H x 23 3/4"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

Who doesn't love the elegant look of a personalized door mat? This makes a wonderful house warming gift, wedding gift, Christmas gift or any gift! But don't forget about yourself. We think this mat would look awesome in front of your door too! We call our mats Coco "Not" because unlike ordinary coco mats made out of scratchy coir, ours don't shed or shred, they are anti-bacterial, don't mold, mildew or hold water, and are soft enough to walk on but rough enough to catch the dust and dirt. Cleaning is a breeze. Use a broom for a light dusting or hose off with water to remove heavier soiling. Our mats are inlaid, not printed & are finished with a non-slip backing that keeps them in place to perform better than any other entry mat made today. Every mat is made to order and you can customize yours just the way you want it. We are working on setting up our International order/shipping charges. In the meantime email us with your International shipping request and we will get back to you with a quote.

Wolf 30" E Series Transitional Built-In Single Oven Stainless Steel | SO30TE Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com New stainless steel touch-control panel: A favorite of chefs, the easy-to-master control panel now has a sleeker, cleaner look, with the same precise control of temperature, timer and mode settings — all visible via crisp LCD display. Coordinated design styles: Built to beautifully complement other Wolf products such as microwaves and warming drawers, ovens are available in three coordinating trim styles for easy customization. Dual convection: Two dedicated heating elements distribute heat evenly throughout the oven, for faster and better-tasting results — especially when using multiple racks at once. 10 one-touch cooking modes: Each mode uses a distinct combination of heat source and airflow, providing the right cooking environment for every dish and ensuring delicious results. Cobalt blue porcelain interiors: Wolf's signature aesthetics enhance the ovens' interior, creating a bold cooking backdrop. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Smooth door opening and closing: Say goodbye to the sound of oven-door slams. Doors on built-in E series ovens open and close quietly and effortlessly, thanks to a balanced door hinge system. Home automation compatible: Select built-in E series oven features can be controlled via an existing home automation system for enhanced convenience. Convenient features: Ease-of-use is enhanced with self-clean, delayed start, timed cook and Sabbath mode settings. Adjustable oven racks: Each built-in E series oven comes standard with three adjustable racks: one standard rack, one full-extension easy-glide rack and one full-extension door-glide rack — placing heavier dishes safely within reach. Obstacle-free cooking environment: A hidden bake element allows for obstacle-free cleaning of the oven's floor, and a recessed broil element provides more room for large dishes. Design flexibility: Built-in E series ovens can be installed flush with surrounding cabinetry to complement an overall integrated kitchen design. Enhanced interior views: Large, double-pane glass door windows and bright, dual halogen lights give you a clear view of your dish without having to open the door and disturb the cooking environment. Technical Features: Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 27 7/8"H x 23 3/4"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

Wolf 30" E Series Transitional Built-In Double Oven Stainless Steel | DO30TE Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com New stainless steel touch-control panel: A favorite of chefs, the easy-to-master control panel now has a sleeker, cleaner look, with the same precise control of temperature, timer and mode settings — all visible via crisp LCD display. Coordinated design styles: Built to beautifully complement other Wolf products such as microwaves and warming drawers, ovens are available in three coordinating trim styles for easy customization. Dual convection: Two dedicated heating elements distribute heat evenly throughout the oven, for faster and better-tasting results — especially when using multiple racks at once. 10 one-touch cooking modes: Each mode uses a distinct combination of heat source and airflow, providing the right cooking environment for every dish and ensuring delicious results. Cobalt blue porcelain interiors: Wolf's signature aesthetics enhance the ovens' interior, creating a bold cooking backdrop. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Smooth door opening and closing: Say goodbye to the sound of oven-door slams. Doors on built-in E series ovens open and close quietly and effortlessly, thanks to a balanced door hinge system. Home automation compatible: Select built-in E series oven features can be controlled via an existing home automation system for enhanced convenience. Convenient features: Ease-of-use is enhanced with self-clean, delayed start, timed cook and Sabbath mode settings. Lower oven features: The lower oven is a standard, non-convection oven offering four cooking modes (bake, broil, roast and proof). Adjustable oven racks: Each built-in E series oven comes standard with three adjustable racks: one standard rack, one full-extension easy-glide rack and one full-extension door-glide rack — placing heavier dishes safely within reach. Obstacle-free cooking environment: A hidden bake element allows for obstacle-free cleaning of the oven's floor, and a recessed broil element provides more room for large dishes. Design flexibility: Built-in E series ovens can be installed flush with surrounding cabinetry to complement an overall integrated kitchen design. Enhanced interior views: Large, double-pane glass door windows and bright, dual halogen lights give you a clear view of your dish without having to open the door and disturb the cooking environment. Technical Features: Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 50 3/8"H x 23 3/4"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

Wolf 30" E Series Transitional Built-In Single Oven Stainless Steel | SO30TE Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com New stainless steel touch-control panel: A favorite of chefs, the easy-to-master control panel now has a sleeker, cleaner look, with the same precise control of temperature, timer and mode settings — all visible via crisp LCD display. Coordinated design styles: Built to beautifully complement other Wolf products such as microwaves and warming drawers, ovens are available in three coordinating trim styles for easy customization. Dual convection: Two dedicated heating elements distribute heat evenly throughout the oven, for faster and better-tasting results — especially when using multiple racks at once. 10 one-touch cooking modes: Each mode uses a distinct combination of heat source and airflow, providing the right cooking environment for every dish and ensuring delicious results. Cobalt blue porcelain interiors: Wolf's signature aesthetics enhance the ovens' interior, creating a bold cooking backdrop. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Smooth door opening and closing: Say goodbye to the sound of oven-door slams. Doors on built-in E series ovens open and close quietly and effortlessly, thanks to a balanced door hinge system. Home automation compatible: Select built-in E series oven features can be controlled via an existing home automation system for enhanced convenience. Convenient features: Ease-of-use is enhanced with self-clean, delayed start, timed cook and Sabbath mode settings. Adjustable oven racks: Each built-in E series oven comes standard with three adjustable racks: one standard rack, one full-extension easy-glide rack and one full-extension door-glide rack — placing heavier dishes safely within reach. Obstacle-free cooking environment: A hidden bake element allows for obstacle-free cleaning of the oven's floor, and a recessed broil element provides more room for large dishes. Design flexibility: Built-in E series ovens can be installed flush with surrounding cabinetry to complement an overall integrated kitchen design. Enhanced interior views: Large, double-pane glass door windows and bright, dual halogen lights give you a clear view of your dish without having to open the door and disturb the cooking environment. Technical Features: Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 27 7/8"H x 23 3/4"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

Wolf 30" E Series Transitional Built-In Double Oven Stainless Steel | DO30TE Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com New stainless steel touch-control panel: A favorite of chefs, the easy-to-master control panel now has a sleeker, cleaner look, with the same precise control of temperature, timer and mode settings — all visible via crisp LCD display. Coordinated design styles: Built to beautifully complement other Wolf products such as microwaves and warming drawers, ovens are available in three coordinating trim styles for easy customization. Dual convection: Two dedicated heating elements distribute heat evenly throughout the oven, for faster and better-tasting results — especially when using multiple racks at once. 10 one-touch cooking modes: Each mode uses a distinct combination of heat source and airflow, providing the right cooking environment for every dish and ensuring delicious results. Cobalt blue porcelain interiors: Wolf's signature aesthetics enhance the ovens' interior, creating a bold cooking backdrop. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Smooth door opening and closing: Say goodbye to the sound of oven-door slams. Doors on built-in E series ovens open and close quietly and effortlessly, thanks to a balanced door hinge system. Home automation compatible: Select built-in E series oven features can be controlled via an existing home automation system for enhanced convenience. Convenient features: Ease-of-use is enhanced with self-clean, delayed start, timed cook and Sabbath mode settings. Lower oven features: The lower oven is a standard, non-convection oven offering four cooking modes (bake, broil, roast and proof). Adjustable oven racks: Each built-in E series oven comes standard with three adjustable racks: one standard rack, one full-extension easy-glide rack and one full-extension door-glide rack — placing heavier dishes safely within reach. Obstacle-free cooking environment: A hidden bake element allows for obstacle-free cleaning of the oven's floor, and a recessed broil element provides more room for large dishes. Design flexibility: Built-in E series ovens can be installed flush with surrounding cabinetry to complement an overall integrated kitchen design. Enhanced interior views: Large, double-pane glass door windows and bright, dual halogen lights give you a clear view of your dish without having to open the door and disturb the cooking environment. Technical Features: Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 50 3/8"H x 23 3/4"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income. FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own. SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio. MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch. SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf) RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property. COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort. ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements. OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income. PROJECT TEAM ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry Lisa Finch - Original Artwork European Architectural Supply - Windows Eric Roth Photography - Photography