Ciro Coelho Photography
Contemporary beige one-story exterior home idea in Santa Barbara with a metal roof

WHAT MAKES VILLA TERRA GREEN? 1. Rammed Earth and PISE Walls Beyond it’s beautiful qualities and “Old World” look, the rammed earth and PISE walls (pneumatically impacted stabilized earth) drastically reduce the use of trees for the initial wall framing lumber. And because this “Earth Structure” will far outlast any wood frame building, trees are again saved many times over, creating the foundation for the true model of sustainability. We have created a house that will essentially last forever, instead of having to be rebuilt every 50 to 75 years. The 18” thick PISE walls and concrete floors also provide thermal mass, an integral part of the passive solar design of the house. These features help keep the house naturally cooler in summer and retaining heat in winter, greatly reducing the heating and cooling loads and energy use. 2. High Content Fly Ash Concrete Foundation Use of high content (25%) fly ash (industrial waste byproduct) in place of Portland Cement results in reduction of energy consumption and green house gas emissions associated with Portland cement production (second only to petroleum in terms of carbon dioxide emissions). 3. Reclaimed Plumbing Fixtures All lavatory sinks and tubs were bought from salvage yards (tub is reportedly from the Jack Benny house in Hollywood). Reclaimed Carrara marble fountain has been made into the powder room sink. 4. Natural Daylighting Use of numerous skylights and high transom windows to reduce electrical lighting loads during the day. Natural daylighting also has documented benefits on mood, productivity, and enjoyment of the space. 5. Photo Voltaic Solar Panels Use of PV solar electric generation system to reduce electrical grid consumption, and bi-directional meter sends power back to the grid when it is needed most, on hot summer afternoons. 6. Hydronic Radiant Heat Floor Use of hydronic radiant floor heating system saves energy, is more efficient for residential heating, is more comfortable for inhabitants, and promotes superior indoor air quality over forced air systems. 7. Natural/Passive Ventilation Use of operable skylights operable high windows and ceiling fans, creates a natural convection current, thereby eliminating the need for an air conditioning system. 8. Passive Solar Design Use of extensive east and south facing glass, proper overhangs, high interior mass, deciduous grape vines on appropriately placed trellises, to passively heat the home in winter, and protect the house from unnecessary heat gain in summer. 9. Reclaimed Lumber - Douglas fir ceiling beams reclaimed from the Town & Country Village Shopping Center (now Santana Row) in San Jose. - Douglas fir ceiling decking reclaimed from the 118 year old Notre Dame High School in downtown San Jose. TJI joists reclaimed from the “Millenium Man” movie set in Alameda used for floor and roof framing. Redwood ceiling beams reclaimed from a Los Altos cabana/trellis. 10. Extensive Use of Other Reclaimed Materials Two antique reclaimed European stone fireplace mantles grace the family room and master bedroom fireplaces. Interior doors with glass knobs reclaimed from the original house located at the property. Two large terraces utilize used brick salvaged from at least 15 different locations. Courtyard fountain is tiled using recycled and restored ceramic tiles from a 1928 California Colonial house in Los Altos. Cabinet lumber from original house used for closet shelving. Plywood from crates that the windows and doors were delivered in were used to create garage shear walls. Foundation forms were salvaged and rip cut for use as interior stud walls. Garage doors were salvaged from a remodel project in Mountain View. 11. Ground Source Heat Pump - Ground source heat pump uses geothermal energy to heat the house and domestic water, greatly reducing natural gas and fossil fuel consumption. 12. Low VOC Paint Clay Plaster Wall Finishes VOC-free interior paint and stain finishes promotes healthy indoor air quality, reduces exacerbation of respiratory ailments such as asthma and lung cancer. Extensive use of American Clay Plaster integral color wall finish eliminates need for painted walls. 13. High Efficiency Windows Use of energy efficient dual pane thermal glazing with “Low e” coating at all doors and windows reduces heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, cutting energy use. 14. Engineered Structural Lumber Extensive use of engineered lumber for structural framing and sheathing reduces cutting of old growth forests, and encourages use of “crop lumber”. 15. FSC Certified Mill Work Extensive use of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified sustainable lumber products for cabinetry, hardwood flooring, trim, etc. further protects the environment through third party monitoring and certification of the entire supply chain. 16. Cotton Insulation Formaldehyde-free cotton insulation made from recycled blue jeans used extensively for attic insulation. photography by Frank Paul Perez

Photography by: Kevin Meechan
Urban home design photo in Denver

Photo: Bonnie McCarthy © 2015 Houzz
Entryway - contemporary entryway idea in Los Angeles

Light fixture with direct emission, with fluorescent sources • Available with base or fixed support (pivot) made up of mass-coloured concrete • Diffuser in mass-pigmented polypropylene, screen in light-diffusing silkscreened methacrylate, reflector in painted aluminum • Mobile-arm structure in extruded EN-AW-6060 aluminum with bright anodizing treat¬ment • Polished-painted articulations in die-cast EN-AB 46100 aluminum • Adjustment system in AISI 316 stainless steel • Silicone seal gaskets • Suitable for watertight connection • Electronic ballast • c.UL.us listed Lead time: 2 - 4 weeks Lamping explanation: INC = incandescent FLU = fluorescent HAL = 120V halogen LV HAL = 12V halogen MH = metal halide SBF = self-ballasted fluorescent LED = light emitting diode All lamps are included with the fixtures Artemide's design and research team focuses on developing quality and long-lasting products. Utilization of recyclable materials is high priority in our process of conceiving new design. 80% of our lights are energy efficient fluorescent or LED lighting. But what's more green than having a beautifully crafted light that continues to function well and looks stunning decades from now The Artemide light has never been solely a function of seeing, or an opportunity for formal experimentation with lamps as objects. For more than forty years, Artemide has aimed to propose light as a companion to people, as a source of physical pleasure and mental comfort. Artemide has done so, with different work groups, searching through the whole design process, starting with a declaration of values - The human light. Beyond the definition, the human light is intelligent light. A light that knows it has to relate to people, accompanying them in their daily activities. That is why Artemide's attention today is concentrated on the concept of the context of life, understood as a specific microenvironment in which an event occurs where one or more persons are the protagonist, every context of life can be associated with different light contexts, or the different atmospheres of light characterized by the activities that, at various moments of the day, have us as protagonists, starting from these contexts and the lighting conditions that characterize them, Artemide proposes products capable of meeting people's multiple needs and offering the light performance characteristics most suited to each moment of life, it is light that is flexible and adaptable, which produces the optimum visual precision, and consumes the minimum environmental resources, it is Artemide light. The Artemide group, founded by Ernesto Gismondi in 1959, today operates throughout the world, with 16 subsidiaries and affiliated companies, and 35 exclusive distributors. They have production centers in Italy, France, Germany, the USA, Hungary and the Czech Republic. In a policy aimed at satisfying all lighting needs, the Artemide group has recently acquired companies that reinforce its position as a world leader and further diversifies the offerings. For contexts of life, Artemide offers not only lamps for moments of relaxation at home, but also large sophisticated installations for lighting public and private professional activities. Technological and productive expertise is achieved through research and development centers, with the product planning and engineering section, laboratories for technical conformity and self-certification tests, and production units equipped with avant-garde processes. A production structure that can offer expertise in the processing of traditional materials such as glass, as well as the capacity for innovation with recently introduced materials such as titanium. Lighting performance characteristics extend from a light with atmosphere, variable, colored, to the most precise of lights for community environments. The vast range of options reflects the commitment of the whole organization to provide a product guaranteed by the Artemide brand, throughout the world, with an image that is strong and consistent - That of a leader in the lighting industry. Rezek, an Artemide brand, with product development and manufacturing in the United States. Founded by designer Ron Rezek in 1978, the Rezek company has gained strong recognition and appreciation among the architectural and interior design community for the distinctly creative design and quality construction of its American made lighting products for residential and commercial applications.

Elegant & classic design: outdoor lights from well-known European designers. Many of our lamps have won the Red Dot, German Design, IF Design Award many times. Lines perfectly with the light to create a premiere design. Inowel focuses on the innovation & design. Lamp detail: the outdoor light is made of high-quality aluminum, the color is dark grey, hard wired. Lamp size 7.17*5.83*5.24in, the backplate size is 5.2*7.2in, bracket size 4.1*0.87in. Lamp working voltage is 120v, power is 7.5w, light is 3000k, 240lm. Easy install and idea for outdoor: when receive it you can quickly install, all mounting accessories are included. Detail install operations pl check user manual. This modern wall lamp can used at patio, entrance, garden, exit, driveway, yard, garage, cafes, etc. IP54 waterproof: all-weather resistant, wall sconces made of high quality aluminum, so anti-rust & corrosion. Never worry about rain, storm, sleet, snow, ultra high or low temperatures, this light fixture will still perfect after years of using. 3-year warranty guarantees: LED wall lamp is longevity use. Certificate ETL. Any questions pl ask in the product page or contact us through amazon. We offer this outdoor lantern hassle-free return policies.

Elegant & classic design: outdoor lights from well-known European designers. Many of our lamps have won the Red Dot, German Design, IF Design Award many times. Lines perfectly with the light to create a premiere design. Inowel focuses on the innovation & design. Lamp detail: the outdoor light is made of high-quality aluminum, the color is dark grey, hard wired. Lamp size 7.17*5.83*5.24in, the backplate size is 5.2*7.2in, bracket size 4.1*0.87in. Lamp working voltage is 120v, power is 7.5w, light is 3000k, 240lm. Easy install and idea for outdoor: when receive it you can quickly install, all mounting accessories are included. Detail install operations pl check user manual. This modern wall lamp can used at patio, entrance, garden, exit, driveway, yard, garage, cafes, etc. IP54 waterproof: all-weather resistant, wall sconces made of high quality aluminum, so anti-rust & corrosion. Never worry about rain, storm, sleet, snow, ultra high or low temperatures, this light fixture will still perfect after years of using. 3-year warranty guarantees: LED wall lamp is longevity use. Certificate ETL. Any questions pl ask in the product page or contact us through amazon. We offer this outdoor lantern hassle-free return policies.

“Turning dilapidated chicken sheds into a beautiful oak frame family home.” So how do you get planning permission for a replacement dwelling on the site of an old commercial building? Read on to find out … Our clients own a site which is home to six dilapidated chicken sheds; relics from a family business currently used for storage. They currently live in a house next to the site, in fact it is one they built themselves. When they first spoke to us about their project, they made it clear they wanted a full turnkey solution as they didn’t want to go down the self-build route again! The planners had mentioned that replacing these sheds for a ‘modest’ dwelling may be acceptable. However, upon a further meeting with the planning officer it became clear that policy was not in our client’s favour and that, if they were granted permission, it would most likely be for a bungalow. We therefore looked at other routes and discovered that there was sufficient information and the right use history to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness whereby an application can be made to convert the use of the buildings from commercial (having been used for storage for over 10 years) to residential. Once granted, a replacement dwelling application can be made. We have submitted an application for this, and if it is granted we will then submit a full planning application. The design that we have created comes in two distinct parts; the two storey bedroom component and the single storey, oak framed day-to-day living component. These two components are blended through the geometries and material palettes of the elevations; a two storey gable compliments the single storey gable to the east and provides a sunny courtyard to the south. Entrance is in the centre of the plan for efficient use of space under a double height void with views out and streams of sunlight in.

“Turning dilapidated chicken sheds into a beautiful oak frame family home.” So how do you get planning permission for a replacement dwelling on the site of an old commercial building? Read on to find out … Our clients own a site which is home to six dilapidated chicken sheds; relics from a family business currently used for storage. They currently live in a house next to the site, in fact it is one they built themselves. When they first spoke to us about their project, they made it clear they wanted a full turnkey solution as they didn’t want to go down the self-build route again! The planners had mentioned that replacing these sheds for a ‘modest’ dwelling may be acceptable. However, upon a further meeting with the planning officer it became clear that policy was not in our client’s favour and that, if they were granted permission, it would most likely be for a bungalow. We therefore looked at other routes and discovered that there was sufficient information and the right use history to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness whereby an application can be made to convert the use of the buildings from commercial (having been used for storage for over 10 years) to residential. Once granted, a replacement dwelling application can be made. We have submitted an application for this, and if it is granted we will then submit a full planning application. The design that we have created comes in two distinct parts; the two storey bedroom component and the single storey, oak framed day-to-day living component. These two components are blended through the geometries and material palettes of the elevations; a two storey gable compliments the single storey gable to the east and provides a sunny courtyard to the south. Entrance is in the centre of the plan for efficient use of space under a double height void with views out and streams of sunlight in.

12 Chesholm Road is located within the London Borough of Hackney. The alterations to this property fall within the policies for permitted development and the site is not categorized as designated land. Therefore a certificate of lawfulness was submitted prior to beginning the tender and construction process. Our design adds a new light filled side extension at ground floor level and a new loft bedroom and bathroom above where there was previously unused roof space. A large open plan living space was created by opening up the front and rear reception rooms, providing ample display space for our client’s extensive art collection. A fully glazed skylight to the side extension allows for increased light levels and improved connections between the spaces linking the front of the house to the rear garden. A set of new stairs runs full width across the house marking the connection between the new and old rooms. Niches have been carved into the depth of the walls to allow for storage space and for sculptures to be displayed. A calm material palette of reclaimed bricks and oak flooring gives a sense of warmth and texture to his home. The rich detailing gives a tactile scale to the new domestic spaces. A large glass pivoting door enables generous access to the garden. Built in seating in the kitchen provides an informal gathering space facing the garden. A framework of oak shelving and timber rafters gives structure to the new ground floor space providing further display space for art, ceramics and glassware pieces under a bright sun filled fully glazed skylight.

“Turning dilapidated chicken sheds into a beautiful oak frame family home.” So how do you get planning permission for a replacement dwelling on the site of an old commercial building? Read on to find out … Our clients own a site which is home to six dilapidated chicken sheds; relics from a family business currently used for storage. They currently live in a house next to the site, in fact it is one they built themselves. When they first spoke to us about their project, they made it clear they wanted a full turnkey solution as they didn’t want to go down the self-build route again! The planners had mentioned that replacing these sheds for a ‘modest’ dwelling may be acceptable. However, upon a further meeting with the planning officer it became clear that policy was not in our client’s favour and that, if they were granted permission, it would most likely be for a bungalow. We therefore looked at other routes and discovered that there was sufficient information and the right use history to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness whereby an application can be made to convert the use of the buildings from commercial (having been used for storage for over 10 years) to residential. Once granted, a replacement dwelling application can be made. We have submitted an application for this, and if it is granted we will then submit a full planning application. The design that we have created comes in two distinct parts; the two storey bedroom component and the single storey, oak framed day-to-day living component. These two components are blended through the geometries and material palettes of the elevations; a two storey gable compliments the single storey gable to the east and provides a sunny courtyard to the south. Entrance is in the centre of the plan for efficient use of space under a double height void with views out and streams of sunlight in.

“Turning dilapidated chicken sheds into a beautiful oak frame family home.” So how do you get planning permission for a replacement dwelling on the site of an old commercial building? Read on to find out … Our clients own a site which is home to six dilapidated chicken sheds; relics from a family business currently used for storage. They currently live in a house next to the site, in fact it is one they built themselves. When they first spoke to us about their project, they made it clear they wanted a full turnkey solution as they didn’t want to go down the self-build route again! The planners had mentioned that replacing these sheds for a ‘modest’ dwelling may be acceptable. However, upon a further meeting with the planning officer it became clear that policy was not in our client’s favour and that, if they were granted permission, it would most likely be for a bungalow. We therefore looked at other routes and discovered that there was sufficient information and the right use history to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness whereby an application can be made to convert the use of the buildings from commercial (having been used for storage for over 10 years) to residential. Once granted, a replacement dwelling application can be made. We have submitted an application for this, and if it is granted we will then submit a full planning application. The design that we have created comes in two distinct parts; the two storey bedroom component and the single storey, oak framed day-to-day living component. These two components are blended through the geometries and material palettes of the elevations; a two storey gable compliments the single storey gable to the east and provides a sunny courtyard to the south. Entrance is in the centre of the plan for efficient use of space under a double height void with views out and streams of sunlight in.

“Turning dilapidated chicken sheds into a beautiful oak frame family home.” So how do you get planning permission for a replacement dwelling on the site of an old commercial building? Read on to find out … Our clients own a site which is home to six dilapidated chicken sheds; relics from a family business currently used for storage. They currently live in a house next to the site, in fact it is one they built themselves. When they first spoke to us about their project, they made it clear they wanted a full turnkey solution as they didn’t want to go down the self-build route again! The planners had mentioned that replacing these sheds for a ‘modest’ dwelling may be acceptable. However, upon a further meeting with the planning officer it became clear that policy was not in our client’s favour and that, if they were granted permission, it would most likely be for a bungalow. We therefore looked at other routes and discovered that there was sufficient information and the right use history to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness whereby an application can be made to convert the use of the buildings from commercial (having been used for storage for over 10 years) to residential. Once granted, a replacement dwelling application can be made. We have submitted an application for this, and if it is granted we will then submit a full planning application. The design that we have created comes in two distinct parts; the two storey bedroom component and the single storey, oak framed day-to-day living component. These two components are blended through the geometries and material palettes of the elevations; a two storey gable compliments the single storey gable to the east and provides a sunny courtyard to the south. Entrance is in the centre of the plan for efficient use of space under a double height void with views out and streams of sunlight in.

Detail of mail sorting and storage and filing system. Also included is a printer drawer (not shown), open shelving and closed storage.
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Example of a minimalist entryway design in Geelong

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