Search results for "Preserving legacy" in Home Design Ideas

In the heart of historic Northeast PA, WS Design & Build Inc. proudly presents a masterful restoration of a 200-year-old farmhouse kitchen. As experienced contractors, we undertook this remodel project to honor the rich heritage of the region's architecture while infusing it with modern comfort and style.
Located amidst the charming towns nearby, this renovation seamlessly blends the nostalgia of the farmhouse's storied past with contemporary design elements. Our meticulous attention to detail in every build and renovation aspect highlights the craftsmanship required to preserve the farmhouse's legacy while elevating it to meet today's standards.
WS Design & Build Inc.'s commitment to preserving history while embracing innovation is evident in every aspect of this kitchen's renovation. From preserving original beams to integrating cutting-edge appliances, this space embodies the perfect harmony between old-world charm and present-day convenience. Experience the timeless allure of a historic farmhouse kitchen renewed through our dedication to quality renovation.

In the heart of historic Northeast PA, WS Design & Build Inc. proudly presents a masterful restoration of a 200-year-old farmhouse kitchen. As experienced contractors, we undertook this remodel project to honor the rich heritage of the region's architecture while infusing it with modern comfort and style.
Located amidst the charming towns nearby, this renovation seamlessly blends the nostalgia of the farmhouse's storied past with contemporary design elements. Our meticulous attention to detail in every build and renovation aspect highlights the craftsmanship required to preserve the farmhouse's legacy while elevating it to meet today's standards.
WS Design & Build Inc.'s commitment to preserving history while embracing innovation is evident in every aspect of this kitchen's renovation. From preserving original beams to integrating cutting-edge appliances, this space embodies the perfect harmony between old-world charm and present-day convenience. Experience the timeless allure of a historic farmhouse kitchen renewed through our dedication to quality renovation.

Example of a mid-sized beach style light wood floor and beige floor kitchen design with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops
Find the right local pro for your project

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 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 serene bedroom highlights the elegance of Santa Fe Style Architecture, with its soaring viga-beamed ceiling, adobe fireplace, and thick plastered walls that evoke timeless Adobe Architecture. The four-poster bed and natural textures create a warm yet refined atmosphere, true to the traditions of Santa Fe Adobe Houses and thoughtful custom residential design in Santa Fe. Rooted in the principles of historic preservation in Santa Fe and sustainable architecture in New Mexico, the space reflects the enduring beauty and craftsmanship associated with the region’s architectural legacy.

The Women’s Rowing Club is one of the original structures in Pacific Beach, built in 1907 and was designed by architect Lillian J. Rice. The landscape was designed by Kate Sessions, the iconic American botanist, horticulturalist, and landscape architect closely associated with San Diego, California, and known as the “Mother of Balboa Park.” Lillian J. Rice was also the architect who supervised the development of Rancho Santa Fe. The club was founded in 1892 and provides a visual reminder that America’s oldest women’s rowing club works to preserve its past and encourages future interest in the sport.

The Women’s Rowing Club is one of the original structures in Pacific Beach, built in 1907 and was designed by architect Lillian J. Rice. The landscape was designed by Kate Sessions, the iconic American botanist, horticulturalist, and landscape architect closely associated with San Diego, California, and known as the “Mother of Balboa Park.” Lillian J. Rice was also the architect who supervised the development of Rancho Santa Fe. The club was founded in 1892 and provides a visual reminder that America’s oldest women’s rowing club works to preserve its past and encourages future interest in the sport.

The Women’s Rowing Club is one of the original structures in Pacific Beach, built in 1907 and was designed by architect Lillian J. Rice. The landscape was designed by Kate Sessions, the iconic American botanist, horticulturalist, and landscape architect closely associated with San Diego, California, and known as the “Mother of Balboa Park.” Lillian J. Rice was also the architect who supervised the development of Rancho Santa Fe. The club was founded in 1892 and provides a visual reminder that America’s oldest women’s rowing club works to preserve its past and encourages future interest in the sport.

The Women’s Rowing Club is one of the original structures in Pacific Beach, built in 1907 and was designed by architect Lillian J. Rice. The landscape was designed by Kate Sessions, the iconic American botanist, horticulturalist, and landscape architect closely associated with San Diego, California, and known as the “Mother of Balboa Park.” Lillian J. Rice was also the architect who supervised the development of Rancho Santa Fe. The club was founded in 1892 and provides a visual reminder that America’s oldest women’s rowing club works to preserve its past and encourages future interest in the sport.

The Women’s Rowing Club is one of the original structures in Pacific Beach, built in 1907 and was designed by architect Lillian J. Rice. The landscape was designed by Kate Sessions, the iconic American botanist, horticulturalist, and landscape architect closely associated with San Diego, California, and known as the “Mother of Balboa Park.” Lillian J. Rice was also the architect who supervised the development of Rancho Santa Fe. The club was founded in 1892 and provides a visual reminder that America’s oldest women’s rowing club works to preserve its past and encourages future interest in the sport.

The Women’s Rowing Club is one of the original structures in Pacific Beach, built in 1907 and was designed by architect Lillian J. Rice. The landscape was designed by Kate Sessions, the iconic American botanist, horticulturalist, and landscape architect closely associated with San Diego, California, and known as the “Mother of Balboa Park.” Lillian J. Rice was also the architect who supervised the development of Rancho Santa Fe. The club was founded in 1892 and provides a visual reminder that America’s oldest women’s rowing club works to preserve its past and encourages future interest in the sport.

We doubled the size of this Wyoming kitchen by adding an addition.The sink is centered in front of a large 5’ window to enjoy the view as well as bring in plenty of natural light.
We were able to keep the historic feel even with a Subzero fridge and beautiful blue gas range.
14” baseboards
2 gorgeous antique doors for the pantry with cabinets to the ceiling.
This style matches the time period of the home and our clients did a beautiful job with selections and decorating.

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

We doubled the size of this Wyoming kitchen by adding an addition.The sink is centered in front of a large 5’ window to enjoy the view as well as bring in plenty of natural light.
We were able to keep the historic feel even with a Subzero fridge and beautiful blue gas range.
14” baseboards
2 gorgeous antique doors for the pantry with cabinets to the ceiling.
This style matches the time period of the home and our clients did a beautiful job with selections and decorating.

We doubled the size of this Wyoming kitchen by adding an addition.The sink is centered in front of a large 5’ window to enjoy the view as well as bring in plenty of natural light.
We were able to keep the historic feel even with a Subzero fridge and beautiful blue gas range.
14” baseboards
2 gorgeous antique doors for the pantry with cabinets to the ceiling.
This style matches the time period of the home and our clients did a beautiful job with selections and decorating.

We doubled the size of this Wyoming kitchen by adding an addition.The sink is centered in front of a large 5’ window to enjoy the view as well as bring in plenty of natural light.
We were able to keep the historic feel even with a Subzero fridge and beautiful blue gas range.
14” baseboards
2 gorgeous antique doors for the pantry with cabinets to the ceiling.
This style matches the time period of the home and our clients did a beautiful job with selections and decorating.

We doubled the size of this Wyoming kitchen by adding an addition.The sink is centered in front of a large 5’ window to enjoy the view as well as bring in plenty of natural light.
We were able to keep the historic feel even with a Subzero fridge and beautiful blue gas range.
14” baseboards
2 gorgeous antique doors for the pantry with cabinets to the ceiling.
This style matches the time period of the home and our clients did a beautiful job with selections and decorating.

We doubled the size of this Wyoming kitchen by adding an addition.The sink is centered in front of a large 5’ window to enjoy the view as well as bring in plenty of natural light.
We were able to keep the historic feel even with a Subzero fridge and beautiful blue gas range.
14” baseboards
2 gorgeous antique doors for the pantry with cabinets to the ceiling.
This style matches the time period of the home and our clients did a beautiful job with selections and decorating.

We doubled the size of this Wyoming kitchen by adding an addition.The sink is centered in front of a large 5’ window to enjoy the view as well as bring in plenty of natural light.
We were able to keep the historic feel even with a Subzero fridge and beautiful blue gas range.
14” baseboards
2 gorgeous antique doors for the pantry with cabinets to the ceiling.
This style matches the time period of the home and our clients did a beautiful job with selections and decorating.
7
