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

To relieve stress and anxiety, our clients also wanted to turn their pool bath into a steam room. Because the guest bedroom closet was positioned on the other side of the bathroom, it made it easy to create an accessible location for the required ThermaSol steam generator. The ceiling-height custom steam shower enclosure was designed with a moving transom glass door, and the shower walls were laid in Neostile Chalk tile by Happy Floors with a perfect square of Elysium tile in Pontus blue, creating a stunning visual focal point. Brushed satin nickel hardware was chosen to match the new Signature Hardware plumbing selections and accessories. The shower floor was laid in an Akau Riverstone Cappuccino pebble mosaic tile, butting up against the Chalet Miele wood plank porcelain tile that flows effortlessly throughout the rest of the home. A white custom DuraSupreme floating vanity (with Homestead door style) was topped with polished Kelvingrove Cambria Quartz countertops—in warm and nurturing Earth tones of taupe, white, and Robin’s egg blue-green. For perfect task lighting, a lighted mirror was installed over the vanity. Finally, the walls were painted a light beige (Sherwin Williams #7036) in a satin finish to create a perfectly enclosed space that promotes relaxation and healthier living.

The designer spent time crafting this home that aims to delight and charm, where whimsical elegance and clever details abound. The clients for this project wanted an accessible retirement home built for ease and one level living, but also built to entertain and enchant. The floor plan boasts all the amenities a discerning homeowner craves, with plenty of space for privacy as well as room to entertain. Through charming details and architectural romance, this home delivers on its promise of living happily ever after. A Grand ARDA for Working Drawings goes to LGA Studios Designers: Michelle D. Williams with Larry Gilland and Barbara Saville Designs From: Colorado Springs, Colorado

New to the area, this client wanted to modernize and clean up this older 1980's home on one floor covering 3500 sq ft. on the golf course. Clean lines and a neutral material palette blends the home into the landscape, while careful craftsmanship gives the home a clean and contemporary appearance. We first met the client when we were asked to re-design the client future kitchen. The layout was not making any progress with the architect, so they asked us to step and give them a hand. The outcome is wonderful, full and expanse kitchen. The kitchen lead to assisting the client throughout the entire home. We were also challenged to meet the clients desired design details but also to meet a certain budget number.

The designer spent time crafting this home that aims to delight and charm, where whimsical elegance and clever details abound. The clients for this project wanted an accessible retirement home built for ease and one level living, but also built to entertain and enchant. The floor plan boasts all the amenities a discerning homeowner craves, with plenty of space for privacy as well as room to entertain. Through charming details and architectural romance, this home delivers on its promise of living happily ever after. A Grand ARDA for Working Drawings goes to LGA Studios Designers: Michelle D. Williams with Larry Gilland and Barbara Saville Designs From: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Master bathroom features his and hers vanities. Counters are absolute black granite with square sink basins for a slightly modern feel. Spacious bathroom features separate glass shower and garden tub (in progress), with direct access to that master closet. Master closet has large window allowing in ample light.

In progress pictures of floating staircase. Front focal stairway that provides access from a large open expansive downstairs living to the upstairs bedrooms, deck and game room. HSS Structural steel support hidden in walls with solid white oak treads and stainless steel handrails and cable. LED lights were installed in the nosing of the stairs. Bona-Waterborne Traffic Naturale finish used on stairs for natural color, matte finish level and seamless touch-up on repairs.

Kitchen | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Peridot plan in Florida! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. With a versatile ranch-style layout, the Peridot model was designed with your comfort and lifestyle in mind. A kitchen with a convenient center island overlooks a breakfast nook and a great room with a fireplace and patio access. Along the main hall, two inviting bedrooms share a bathroom, while the master suite is located on the other side of the home—boasting a large walk-in closet and a private bath. You'll also love a centrally located laundry room, as well as a spacious storage area.

The original multiple decks and elevated patio blocked the pool and fractured the space. This design creates an elegant progression from the home’s interior to poolside. The wide stairs oriented towards the pool provide pool views from the entire deck. The interior level provides for relaxed seating and dining with the magnificence of nature. The descent of a short group of stairs leads to the outdoor kitchen level. The barbeque is bordered in stone topped with a countertop of granite. The outdoor kitchen level is positioned for easy access midway from either the pool or interior level. From the kitchen level an additional group of stairs flow down to the paver patio surrounding the pool. Also incorporated is a downstairs entry and ample space for storage beneath the deck sourced through an access panel. The design connects the interior to poolside by means of a rich and functional outdoor living design.

After years of enjoying their backyard, the clients of this property enlisted our firm to improve the original landscape we had completed over ten years ago. Our goal was to update the patio and further develop their backyard by creating a garden with a variety of color and texture. Over time the existing patio had settled, plantings grew, and an existing Oak thrived. During the initial home and landscape construction our clients were particularly concerned about the health of the mature Oak located just off the home. Special care was given when the patio was first built. Precautions were again taken in working around the Oak as the existing patio was removed and replaced. Surrounding trees and shrubs had grown and enclosed the backyard limiting access. This required almost all work and transport of material to be done by hand. The old concrete paver patio was replaced with bluestone. Existing mortared limestone around the edges of the patio levels were cleaned and tuck-pointed. A new stoop was constructed with mortared limestone risers and bluestone treads. A built-in grill and fireplace further updated the backyard space. The fireplace was designed to follow the organic curve of the patio. Mortared limestone and bluestone material were repeated on all elements, tying them together. Along with the updated patio, many additions were made in transforming the modest backyard into a lush garden. Masses of annuals, ornamental grasses, and perennials along with mixed shrubs created sweeps of color and texture in front of a new arborvitae hedge and other existing trees and shrubs. After careful planning and execution the completed landscape gave our clients the updated landscape they desired. The completion of the project was a rewarding and fulfilling experience as we transformed a good past project into a fantastic new project.

Kitchen | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Raven plan in Arizona! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. The Raven model welcomes you with a covered entry that leads past a flex room and an enchanting courtyard. You’ll also appreciate a study, a great room with an adjacent covered patio and a dining room with access to a well-appointed kitchen. The kitchen features a walk-in pantry, eat-in island and breakfast nook. Three bedrooms include a luxurious master suite with two walk-in closets and a separate tub and shower.

Paul Burk Photography
Staircase - mid-sized modern concrete straight metal railing staircase idea in Baltimore with wooden risers

Example of a large minimalist l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Kitchen | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Raven plan in Arizona! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. The Raven model welcomes you with a covered entry that leads past a flex room and an enchanting courtyard. You’ll also appreciate a study, a great room with an adjacent covered patio and a dining room with access to a well-appointed kitchen. The kitchen features a walk-in pantry, eat-in island and breakfast nook. Three bedrooms include a luxurious master suite with two walk-in closets and a separate tub and shower.

Kitchen | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Peridot plan in Florida! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. With a versatile ranch-style layout, the Peridot model was designed with your comfort and lifestyle in mind. A kitchen with a convenient center island overlooks a breakfast nook and a great room with a fireplace and patio access. Along the main hall, two inviting bedrooms share a bathroom, while the master suite is located on the other side of the home—boasting a large walk-in closet and a private bath. You'll also love a centrally located laundry room, as well as a spacious storage area.

This photo captures the backyard renovation of the Yaghoubi Residence in Kerrisdale, Vancouver during the final stages of construction. The new outdoor layout was already taking shape, including the extended deck, concrete walkways, and newly constructed patio area. The renovation involved removing an existing detached garage to open up the backyard and create a larger functional outdoor space. New hardscape surfaces were installed to improve access and usability while preparing the yard for the final landscaping phase, lawn installation, and finishing details.

This construction progress photo highlights the newly poured concrete patio that serves as the foundation for the waterfront access renovation. Designed to provide a durable, level surface for the new stair system and outdoor living area, the professionally finished concrete enhances both safety and functionality while creating a lasting base for the completed lakefront project.

The site is a southeast corner served by an alley on the north in a residential neighborhood west of the of Lincoln Park. The house is organized around the center court which is the focus of all the main rooms on the ground floor. The gallery along the south edge gives access to the living room at the west and the dining room at the east. All access on this floor is from room to room without corridors. Individal stairs to the two second floor bedrooms gives autonomy to both the parents and grown up children. While the parents room overlooks the center court the other bedrooms can focus on the northwest court. The single room width of arm of the building allows all rooms to receive light from at least two sides. The order of the exterior is progressive, from a heavy base materials at the ground to lighter, materials as it meets the sky. The the volume unfolds from the first floor which is wrapped by Roman brick walls that thin into pillars as they rise, giving way to windows or stucco in the upper walls and is capped by metal roofs. Similarly the exterior perimeter is largely closed while the interior facing the court is more open. The yellow brick, the black framed windows and metal roofs are all materials and colors characteristic of the city.

A timeless and classic kitchen featuring a large island with ample seating, perfect for family meals and gatherings.
Eat-in kitchen - large craftsman l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, marble countertops and white countertops