A new modern farmhouse has been created in Ipswich, Massachusetts, approximately 30 miles north of Boston. The new house overlooks a rolling landscape of wetlands and marshes, close to Crane Beach in Ipswich. The heart of the house is a freestanding living pavilion, with a soaring roof and an elevated stone terrace. The terrace provides views in all directions to the gentle, coastal landscape. A cluster of smaller building pieces form the house, similar to farm compounds. The entry is marked by a 3-story tower, consisting of a pair of study spaces on the first two levels, and then a completely glazed viewing space on the top level. The entry itself is a glass space that separates the living pavilion from the bedroom wing. The living pavilion has a beautifully crafted wood roof structure, with exposed Douglas Fir beams and continuous high clerestory windows, which provide abundant natural light and ventilation. The living pavilion has primarily glass walls., with a continuous, elevated stone terrace outside. The roof forms a broad, 6-ft. overhang to provide outdoor space sheltered from sun and rain. In addition to the viewing tower and the living pavilion, there are two more building pieces. First, the bedroom wing is a simple, 2-story linear volume, with the master bedroom at the view end. Below the master bedroom is a classic New England screened porch, with views in all directions. Second, the existing barn was retained and renovated to become an integral part of the new modern farmhouse compound. Exterior and interior finishes are straightforward and simple. Exterior siding is either white cedar shingles or white cedar tongue-and-groove siding. Other exterior materials include metal roofing and stone terraces. Interior finishes consist of custom cherry cabinets, Vermont slate counters, quartersawn oak floors, and exposed Douglas fir framing in the living pavilion. The main stair has laser-cut steel railings, with a pattern evocative of the surrounding meadow grasses. The house was designed to be highly energy-efficient and sustainable. Upon completion, the house was awarded the highest rating (5-Star +) by the Energy Star program. A combination of “active” and “passive” energy conservation strategies have been employed. On the active side, a series of deep, drilled wells provide a groundsource geothermal heat exchange, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. Recently, a 13-kW solar power system with 40 photovoltaic panels has been installed. The solar system will meet over 30% of the electrical demand at the house. Since the back-up mechanical system is electric, the house uses no fossil fuels whatsoever. The garage is pre-wired for an electric car charging station. In terms of passive strategies, the extensive amount of windows provides abundant natural light and reduces electric demand. Deep roof overhangs and built-in shades are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the concrete subfloor. Radiant floors provide constant heat with thermal mass in the floors. Exterior walls and roofs are insulated 30-40% greater than code requirements. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years!

Jules Nolet
Trendy kitchen photo in San Francisco with colored appliances, subway tile backsplash, granite countertops, gray cabinets, white backsplash and recessed-panel cabinets

Total Gut Renovation. Combining two large apartment units to create a spacious contemporary residence, including all new windows, large Master Bedroom Suite, enlarged Gourmet Kitchen, new Bathrooms, fireplace and all new fixtures and finishes throughout. (Photos by Jack M. Kucy, JMK Gallery at www.JMK-Gallery.com)

Jackson Brewery Loft, San Francisco, CA The Jackson Brewery building was built in the early 1900’s. We have taken an open space consisting of 2500 square feet of brick walls and exposed steel beams with 20’ high ceilings and turned it into a contemporary, home automated loft. To access this loft we designed a custom clear elevator door, which reveals the elevator shaft while adding natural light. We wanted to keep the charm and historical characteristics of this building while integrating a highly modern feel. This “High-Tech Bachelor Pad” was featured in CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles winter 2010 issue. Electronics such as heated floors, automatic window treatments, a state of the art multi-zone sound system, LED lighting systems, with pre-programmed lighting scenes for every mood, and push of the button shower control valves are just to name a few of the high-tech features that contributed to this lofts win for the 17th Annual Electronic Lifestyles Designer Award. This project was design build; working on ideas and concepts with the owner and interior designer without the organization of plans.

Jackson Brewery Loft, San Francisco, CA The Jackson Brewery building was built in the early 1900’s. We have taken an open space consisting of 2500 square feet of brick walls and exposed steel beams with 20’ high ceilings and turned it into a contemporary, home automated loft. To access this loft we designed a custom clear elevator door, which reveals the elevator shaft while adding natural light. We wanted to keep the charm and historical characteristics of this building while integrating a highly modern feel. This “High-Tech Bachelor Pad” was featured in CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles winter 2010 issue. Electronics such as heated floors, automatic window treatments, a state of the art multi-zone sound system, LED lighting systems, with pre-programmed lighting scenes for every mood, and push of the button shower control valves are just to name a few of the high-tech features that contributed to this lofts win for the 17th Annual Electronic Lifestyles Designer Award. This project was design build; working on ideas and concepts with the owner and interior designer without the organization of plans.

Jackson Brewery Loft, San Francisco, CA The Jackson Brewery building was built in the early 1900’s. We have taken an open space consisting of 2500 square feet of brick walls and exposed steel beams with 20’ high ceilings and turned it into a contemporary, home automated loft. To access this loft we designed a custom clear elevator door, which reveals the elevator shaft while adding natural light. We wanted to keep the charm and historical characteristics of this building while integrating a highly modern feel. This “High-Tech Bachelor Pad” was featured in CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles winter 2010 issue. Electronics such as heated floors, automatic window treatments, a state of the art multi-zone sound system, LED lighting systems, with pre-programmed lighting scenes for every mood, and push of the button shower control valves are just to name a few of the high-tech features that contributed to this lofts win for the 17th Annual Electronic Lifestyles Designer Award. This project was design build; working on ideas and concepts with the owner and interior designer without the organization of plans.

Jackson Brewery Loft, San Francisco, CA The Jackson Brewery building was built in the early 1900’s. We have taken an open space consisting of 2500 square feet of brick walls and exposed steel beams with 20’ high ceilings and turned it into a contemporary, home automated loft. To access this loft we designed a custom clear elevator door, which reveals the elevator shaft while adding natural light. We wanted to keep the charm and historical characteristics of this building while integrating a highly modern feel. This “High-Tech Bachelor Pad” was featured in CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles winter 2010 issue. Electronics such as heated floors, automatic window treatments, a state of the art multi-zone sound system, LED lighting systems, with pre-programmed lighting scenes for every mood, and push of the button shower control valves are just to name a few of the high-tech features that contributed to this lofts win for the 17th Annual Electronic Lifestyles Designer Award. This project was design build; working on ideas and concepts with the owner and interior designer without the organization of plans.

Jackson Brewery Loft, San Francisco, CA The Jackson Brewery building was built in the early 1900’s. We have taken an open space consisting of 2500 square feet of brick walls and exposed steel beams with 20’ high ceilings and turned it into a contemporary, home automated loft. To access this loft we designed a custom clear elevator door, which reveals the elevator shaft while adding natural light. We wanted to keep the charm and historical characteristics of this building while integrating a highly modern feel. This “High-Tech Bachelor Pad” was featured in CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles winter 2010 issue. Electronics such as heated floors, automatic window treatments, a state of the art multi-zone sound system, LED lighting systems, with pre-programmed lighting scenes for every mood, and push of the button shower control valves are just to name a few of the high-tech features that contributed to this lofts win for the 17th Annual Electronic Lifestyles Designer Award. This project was design build; working on ideas and concepts with the owner and interior designer without the organization of plans.

Jackson Brewery Loft, San Francisco, CA The Jackson Brewery building was built in the early 1900’s. We have taken an open space consisting of 2500 square feet of brick walls and exposed steel beams with 20’ high ceilings and turned it into a contemporary, home automated loft. To access this loft we designed a custom clear elevator door, which reveals the elevator shaft while adding natural light. We wanted to keep the charm and historical characteristics of this building while integrating a highly modern feel. This “High-Tech Bachelor Pad” was featured in CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles winter 2010 issue. Electronics such as heated floors, automatic window treatments, a state of the art multi-zone sound system, LED lighting systems, with pre-programmed lighting scenes for every mood, and push of the button shower control valves are just to name a few of the high-tech features that contributed to this lofts win for the 17th Annual Electronic Lifestyles Designer Award. This project was design build; working on ideas and concepts with the owner and interior designer without the organization of plans.

Jackson Brewery Loft, San Francisco, CA The Jackson Brewery building was built in the early 1900’s. We have taken an open space consisting of 2500 square feet of brick walls and exposed steel beams with 20’ high ceilings and turned it into a contemporary, home automated loft. To access this loft we designed a custom clear elevator door, which reveals the elevator shaft while adding natural light. We wanted to keep the charm and historical characteristics of this building while integrating a highly modern feel. This “High-Tech Bachelor Pad” was featured in CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles winter 2010 issue. Electronics such as heated floors, automatic window treatments, a state of the art multi-zone sound system, LED lighting systems, with pre-programmed lighting scenes for every mood, and push of the button shower control valves are just to name a few of the high-tech features that contributed to this lofts win for the 17th Annual Electronic Lifestyles Designer Award. This project was design build; working on ideas and concepts with the owner and interior designer without the organization of plans.

Alex Kotlik Photography
Elegant bathroom photo in New York

Custom A/V - Two custom Middle Atlantic pull out racks located in a dedicated A/V control room provide full control of audio and video equipment, lighting, security, and more in this North Scottsdale home. The home is controlled with Crestron's AV2 Processor and programming by SmartHome Solutions LLC. Customer has full control of the home's audio/video equipment, motorized shades, thermostats, garage doors, security cameras, pool and spa, lighting, and ancillary devices all from any touchscreen or iPad/iPhone within the home. Even the custom wine cellar is remotely controlled, monitored, and alarmed by the home automation system to keep this wine connoisseurs collection safe. Components Include: - Crestron PAD8A 8 Room Pre-amplifers - Crestron CNAMPX 1(6 and 12 Channel) Powered Amplifiers - CNX-TFM and CNX-TXM FM Radio & XM Radio Tuners for Whole Home Audio - Crestron's ADMS Adagio Music Server for High Fidelity Audio Storage (CD/MP3/Streaming) - Lutron Radio RA Controllers & Dimmers for Full Lighting Control - AprilAire HVAC Controllers for Zoned HVAC and Individual Room Temperature Control - Sanyo Security DVR Provides 30+ Days of Video Surveillance & Viewing From Any TV - Crestron TMPC-8X Wireless Touchscreen Remote Controls - HD DirecTV Tuners w/ DVR Functionality - ... and much more! Design, Installation, and Programming by SmartHome Solutions LLC - Visit us online at www.mysmartmanor.com or by calling 480-451-1300.

View of dining room into living room.
Inspiration for a large transitional open concept medium tone wood floor living room library remodel in New York with gray walls, no fireplace and a media wall

Renovation of pre-war apartment. Photos by Hulya Kolabas
Mid-sized trendy dark wood floor and brown floor living room library photo in New York with white walls

A house located at a southern Vermont ski area, this home is based on our Lodge model. Custom designed, pre-cut and shipped to the site by Habitat Post & Beam, the home was assembled and finished by a local builder. Photos by Michael Penney, architectural photographer. IMPORTANT NOTE: We are not involved in the finish or decoration of these homes, so it is unlikely that we can answer any questions about elements that were not part of our kit package (interior finish materials), i.e., specific elements of the spaces such as flooring, appliances, colors, lighting, furniture, landscaping, etc.

Residential Design by Heydt Designs, Interior Design by Benjamin Dhong Interiors, Construction by Kearney & O'Banion, Photography by David Duncan Livingston

This project was built on spec and pushed for affordable sustainability without compromising a clean modern design that balanced visual warmth with performance and economic efficiency. The project achieved far more points than was required to gain a 5-star builtgreen rating. The design was based around a small footprint that was located over the existing cottage and utilized structural insulated panels, radiant floor heat, low/no VOC finishes and many other green building strategies.

Unglazed porcelain – There is no glazing or any other coating applied to the tile. Their color is the same on the face of the tile as it is on the back resulting in very durable tiles that do not show the effects of heavy traffic. The most common unglazed tiles are the red quarry tiles or the granite looking porcelain ceramic tiles used in heavy commercial areas. Historic matches to the original tiles made from 1890 - 1930's. Subway Ceramic floor tiles are made of the highest quality unglazed porcelain and carefully arranged on a fiber mesh as one square foot sheets. A complimentary black hex is also in stock in both sizes and available by the sheet for creating borders and accent designs. Subway Ceramics offers vintage tile is 3/8" thick, with a flat surface and square edges. The Subway Ceramics collection of traditional subway tile, moldings and accessories.

Huge trendy master white tile and marble tile marble floor bathroom photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, an undermount tub and gray walls