Our mission was to completely update and transform their huge house into a cozy, welcoming and warm home of their own. “When we moved in, it was such a novelty to live in a proper house. But it still felt like the in-law’s home,” our clients told us. “Our dream was to make it feel like our home.” Our transformation skills were put to the test when we created the host-worthy kitchen space (complete with a barista bar!) that would double as the heart of their home and a place to make memories with their friends and family. We upgraded and updated their dark and uninviting family room with fresh furnishings, flooring and lighting and turned those beautiful exposed beams into a feature point of the space. The end result was a flow of modern, welcoming and authentic spaces that finally felt like home. And, yep … the invite was officially sent out! Our clients had an eclectic style rich in history, culture and a lifetime of adventures. We wanted to highlight these stories in their home and give their memorabilia places to be seen and appreciated. The at-home office was crafted to blend subtle elegance with a calming, casual atmosphere that would make it easy for our clients to enjoy spending time in the space (without it feeling like they were working!) We carefully selected a pop of color as the feature wall in the primary suite and installed a gorgeous shiplap ledge wall for our clients to display their meaningful art and memorabilia. Then, we carried the theme all the way into the ensuite to create a retreat that felt complete.

This Solana Beach bathroom was completely transformed from an outdated tub and shower into a modern, functional walk-in shower designed for everyday comfort and lasting durability. The project began with a full demolition, followed by plumbing updates, electrical improvements, waterproofing, cement board installation, and a custom mortar shower pan. Every step was completed with a focus on long-term performance before the finish materials were installed. The new shower features large-format Calacatta-look porcelain tile, a custom recessed niche with matte black trim, matte black plumbing fixtures, frameless sliding glass doors, and a hexagon porcelain mosaic shower floor. Outside the shower, we installed a new double vanity with a quartz countertop, undermount sinks, updated mirrors, modern lighting, luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint, and new accessories to complete the space. To help the homeowner visualize the project before construction, we first created 3D renderings and then brought that vision to life through careful planning and craftsmanship. At MA Properties Construction, we believe beautiful bathrooms begin with proper preparation. That's why every remodel is built with quality waterproofing, attention to detail, and materials selected for long-term performance. If you're considering a bathroom remodel in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, or anywhere in North County San Diego, we'd be happy to help you transform your space.

This Ravensdale, WA project showcases a thoughtfully designed outdoor living space that blends functionality, comfort, and craftsmanship. The new patio cover was custom-built to integrate seamlessly with the existing home, featuring a solid structural design, clean lines, and carefully matched roofing for a cohesive finish. Attention to detail played a key role throughout the build. From precise beam placement and soffit installation to coordinating gutter tie-ins with the existing drainage system, every element was planned to ensure both performance and aesthetics. The structure was adjusted on-site to accommodate existing features like the fireplace vent, maintaining proper clearances while preserving the overall design intent. The outdoor kitchen was framed with durable steel studs, providing a long-lasting foundation for future finishes and appliances. The layout allows for flexibility, with provisions for upgraded countertops, lighting, and appliance selections as the homeowner finalizes design choices. Adjacent to the kitchen, the custom outdoor fireplace creates a natural focal point, complete with a Douglas fir mantle that adds warmth and character, embracing the organic qualities of the material. Electrical upgrades enhance usability and ambiance, including integrated LED lighting, heater provisions for year-round comfort, and strategically placed outlets to support both the kitchen and entertainment needs. The system was designed with efficiency in mind, utilizing existing pathways and infrastructure wherever possible. Throughout the project, the team prioritized clear communication and adaptability—whether working around existing site conditions, coordinating multiple trades, or making real-time adjustments to deliver the best outcome. The result is a versatile and inviting outdoor space designed for everyday living and entertaining, built to stand the test of time.

This Ravensdale, WA project showcases a thoughtfully designed outdoor living space that blends functionality, comfort, and craftsmanship. The new patio cover was custom-built to integrate seamlessly with the existing home, featuring a solid structural design, clean lines, and carefully matched roofing for a cohesive finish. Attention to detail played a key role throughout the build. From precise beam placement and soffit installation to coordinating gutter tie-ins with the existing drainage system, every element was planned to ensure both performance and aesthetics. The structure was adjusted on-site to accommodate existing features like the fireplace vent, maintaining proper clearances while preserving the overall design intent. The outdoor kitchen was framed with durable steel studs, providing a long-lasting foundation for future finishes and appliances. The layout allows for flexibility, with provisions for upgraded countertops, lighting, and appliance selections as the homeowner finalizes design choices. Adjacent to the kitchen, the custom outdoor fireplace creates a natural focal point, complete with a Douglas fir mantle that adds warmth and character, embracing the organic qualities of the material. Electrical upgrades enhance usability and ambiance, including integrated LED lighting, heater provisions for year-round comfort, and strategically placed outlets to support both the kitchen and entertainment needs. The system was designed with efficiency in mind, utilizing existing pathways and infrastructure wherever possible. Throughout the project, the team prioritized clear communication and adaptability—whether working around existing site conditions, coordinating multiple trades, or making real-time adjustments to deliver the best outcome. The result is a versatile and inviting outdoor space designed for everyday living and entertaining, built to stand the test of time.

This Ravensdale, WA project showcases a thoughtfully designed outdoor living space that blends functionality, comfort, and craftsmanship. The new patio cover was custom-built to integrate seamlessly with the existing home, featuring a solid structural design, clean lines, and carefully matched roofing for a cohesive finish. Attention to detail played a key role throughout the build. From precise beam placement and soffit installation to coordinating gutter tie-ins with the existing drainage system, every element was planned to ensure both performance and aesthetics. The structure was adjusted on-site to accommodate existing features like the fireplace vent, maintaining proper clearances while preserving the overall design intent. The outdoor kitchen was framed with durable steel studs, providing a long-lasting foundation for future finishes and appliances. The layout allows for flexibility, with provisions for upgraded countertops, lighting, and appliance selections as the homeowner finalizes design choices. Adjacent to the kitchen, the custom outdoor fireplace creates a natural focal point, complete with a Douglas fir mantle that adds warmth and character, embracing the organic qualities of the material. Electrical upgrades enhance usability and ambiance, including integrated LED lighting, heater provisions for year-round comfort, and strategically placed outlets to support both the kitchen and entertainment needs. The system was designed with efficiency in mind, utilizing existing pathways and infrastructure wherever possible. Throughout the project, the team prioritized clear communication and adaptability—whether working around existing site conditions, coordinating multiple trades, or making real-time adjustments to deliver the best outcome. The result is a versatile and inviting outdoor space designed for everyday living and entertaining, built to stand the test of time.

Our mission was to completely update and transform their huge house into a cozy, welcoming and warm home of their own. “When we moved in, it was such a novelty to live in a proper house. But it still felt like the in-law’s home,” our clients told us. “Our dream was to make it feel like our home.” Our transformation skills were put to the test when we created the host-worthy kitchen space (complete with a barista bar!) that would double as the heart of their home and a place to make memories with their friends and family. We upgraded and updated their dark and uninviting family room with fresh furnishings, flooring and lighting and turned those beautiful exposed beams into a feature point of the space. The end result was a flow of modern, welcoming and authentic spaces that finally felt like home. And, yep … the invite was officially sent out! Our clients had an eclectic style rich in history, culture and a lifetime of adventures. We wanted to highlight these stories in their home and give their memorabilia places to be seen and appreciated. The at-home office was crafted to blend subtle elegance with a calming, casual atmosphere that would make it easy for our clients to enjoy spending time in the space (without it feeling like they were working!) We carefully selected a pop of color as the feature wall in the primary suite and installed a gorgeous shiplap ledge wall for our clients to display their meaningful art and memorabilia. Then, we carried the theme all the way into the ensuite to create a retreat that felt complete.

This Solana Beach bathroom was completely transformed from an outdated tub and shower into a modern, functional walk-in shower designed for everyday comfort and lasting durability. The project began with a full demolition, followed by plumbing updates, electrical improvements, waterproofing, cement board installation, and a custom mortar shower pan. Every step was completed with a focus on long-term performance before the finish materials were installed. The new shower features large-format Calacatta-look porcelain tile, a custom recessed niche with matte black trim, matte black plumbing fixtures, frameless sliding glass doors, and a hexagon porcelain mosaic shower floor. Outside the shower, we installed a new double vanity with a quartz countertop, undermount sinks, updated mirrors, modern lighting, luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint, and new accessories to complete the space. To help the homeowner visualize the project before construction, we first created 3D renderings and then brought that vision to life through careful planning and craftsmanship. At MA Properties Construction, we believe beautiful bathrooms begin with proper preparation. That's why every remodel is built with quality waterproofing, attention to detail, and materials selected for long-term performance. If you're considering a bathroom remodel in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, or anywhere in North County San Diego, we'd be happy to help you transform your space.

This Ravensdale, WA project showcases a thoughtfully designed outdoor living space that blends functionality, comfort, and craftsmanship. The new patio cover was custom-built to integrate seamlessly with the existing home, featuring a solid structural design, clean lines, and carefully matched roofing for a cohesive finish. Attention to detail played a key role throughout the build. From precise beam placement and soffit installation to coordinating gutter tie-ins with the existing drainage system, every element was planned to ensure both performance and aesthetics. The structure was adjusted on-site to accommodate existing features like the fireplace vent, maintaining proper clearances while preserving the overall design intent. The outdoor kitchen was framed with durable steel studs, providing a long-lasting foundation for future finishes and appliances. The layout allows for flexibility, with provisions for upgraded countertops, lighting, and appliance selections as the homeowner finalizes design choices. Adjacent to the kitchen, the custom outdoor fireplace creates a natural focal point, complete with a Douglas fir mantle that adds warmth and character, embracing the organic qualities of the material. Electrical upgrades enhance usability and ambiance, including integrated LED lighting, heater provisions for year-round comfort, and strategically placed outlets to support both the kitchen and entertainment needs. The system was designed with efficiency in mind, utilizing existing pathways and infrastructure wherever possible. Throughout the project, the team prioritized clear communication and adaptability—whether working around existing site conditions, coordinating multiple trades, or making real-time adjustments to deliver the best outcome. The result is a versatile and inviting outdoor space designed for everyday living and entertaining, built to stand the test of time.

During the summer, certain tree pests are particularly active and bent on the destruction of your beloved trees. Spider mites are one of these pests that like to make themselves at home all over your plants. Their only goal in life is to eat plant leaves. A great way to stop their destruction is being able to recognize the warning signs of their infestation. Once you have identified them, you can take care of them and put in precautions in order to keep them away and stop any future problems from them. We here at Five Star Tree Services have come up with ways that you can identify this pest and get rid of it before it’s too late for your precious plants. Some Info on Spider Mites You might have seen these little pests before but didn’t know what they were. They are these tiny creatures that are related to ticks and spiders. What They Look Like In order to see them properly, you will need to look at them through a magnifying glass. These little bugs come in a number of different patterns and colours. Being so incredibly small, they are roughly a millimeter at the most. For reverence, that’s about as thick as your credit card. Trying to look at them without a magnifying glass, all you might see are these tiny moving dots that might be brown, red, black, or yellow. Causes of Spider Mites Due to their shier tininess, these little invaders can waltz right into your gardens undetected. It’s even possible that you have bought a plant for a nursery or garden center that has had spider mites on them. They can even be brought into your garden by the wind. These little pests have the ability to spread very quickly due to their ability to eat a number of different plants. They are not very picky when it comes to eating your plants. They like outdoor and indoor plants, deciduous and evergreen, virtually nothing is safe from them. How To Tell You Have Spider Mites Spider mites prefer to cut and feed on the bottoms of tree leaves, however, the damage they do can be seen at the top of the leaf. Three key things to look for that indicate you have a spider mite infestations are: Yellowing or bronze look to your tree in one or many different areas (common with a big infestation) Silky webs that are woven around the leaves and stems Little yellow or white spots appearing at the top of the leaves/needles If you are suspicious that your plant has spider mites, one way to know for sure is holding a sheet of paper under an infected branch and shaking it. You will be able to see the little mites on the paper. Rid Your Plants of Spider Mites Whether it’s the summer or winter, follow these tips for treating spider mites. Summer: You can use a forceful water spray to knock them off of your tree. Once they are gone, periodically use your hose to rinse your trees for the season. Make sure to get the bottom of the leaves because this is where the mites like to live. Winter: This also includes any time before the buds come out in the spring. If your tree has spider mites, during this time, you will only see the eggs settled on the branches of your tree. Apply dormant oil to all the eggs before they hatch. It is also handy to know what natural predators eat spider mites. Certain rival insects such as lacewings and predator beetles will aid in getting rid of your pesky mites. Preventing Spider Mites Spider mites are most active during drought season. When trees are stressed, this is when they attack. If you are experiencing extended hot days and long dry periods, it is important to keep your trees hydrated. This means giving them at least an inch of water a week and making sure you have enough mulch around them. How Five Star Tree Service Can Help Spider mites are a pest. Catching them before they do any permanent damage is important. If using the dormant oil or spraying your tree with water doesn’t seem to be working, you can give us at Five Star Tree Services a call at (416) 990-3355 and we will come and help take care of them. Visit our website to see a full list of our available tree care services in Toronto!

Our mission was to completely update and transform their huge house into a cozy, welcoming and warm home of their own. “When we moved in, it was such a novelty to live in a proper house. But it still felt like the in-law’s home,” our clients told us. “Our dream was to make it feel like our home.” Our transformation skills were put to the test when we created the host-worthy kitchen space (complete with a barista bar!) that would double as the heart of their home and a place to make memories with their friends and family. We upgraded and updated their dark and uninviting family room with fresh furnishings, flooring and lighting and turned those beautiful exposed beams into a feature point of the space. The end result was a flow of modern, welcoming and authentic spaces that finally felt like home. And, yep … the invite was officially sent out! Our clients had an eclectic style rich in history, culture and a lifetime of adventures. We wanted to highlight these stories in their home and give their memorabilia places to be seen and appreciated. The at-home office was crafted to blend subtle elegance with a calming, casual atmosphere that would make it easy for our clients to enjoy spending time in the space (without it feeling like they were working!) We carefully selected a pop of color as the feature wall in the primary suite and installed a gorgeous shiplap ledge wall for our clients to display their meaningful art and memorabilia. Then, we carried the theme all the way into the ensuite to create a retreat that felt complete.

This Solana Beach bathroom was completely transformed from an outdated tub and shower into a modern, functional walk-in shower designed for everyday comfort and lasting durability. The project began with a full demolition, followed by plumbing updates, electrical improvements, waterproofing, cement board installation, and a custom mortar shower pan. Every step was completed with a focus on long-term performance before the finish materials were installed. The new shower features large-format Calacatta-look porcelain tile, a custom recessed niche with matte black trim, matte black plumbing fixtures, frameless sliding glass doors, and a hexagon porcelain mosaic shower floor. Outside the shower, we installed a new double vanity with a quartz countertop, undermount sinks, updated mirrors, modern lighting, luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint, and new accessories to complete the space. To help the homeowner visualize the project before construction, we first created 3D renderings and then brought that vision to life through careful planning and craftsmanship. At MA Properties Construction, we believe beautiful bathrooms begin with proper preparation. That's why every remodel is built with quality waterproofing, attention to detail, and materials selected for long-term performance. If you're considering a bathroom remodel in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, or anywhere in North County San Diego, we'd be happy to help you transform your space.

When it comes to window blinds in Sioux Falls, there are several options to choose from. Peaky Window Blinds stands out among American Blinds, Budget Blinds, Budget Blinds Sioux Falls, and Betz Blinds. It is crucial to pick window blinds that fit both your budget and window frame properly. Peaky Window Blinds offers an extensive selection of designs, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your needs. To guarantee an accurate fit for your window blinds, it is crucial to measure your windows correctly. This will ensure that your chosen window blinds look great and operate correctly. If you're unsure about measuring your windows, you can always reach out to Alan at Peaky Window Blinds by visiting peakywindowblinds.com. In terms of design, zebra roller blinds are an excellent choice that complements most interior designs. They provide optimal light control and are effortless to clean. Additionally, zebra roller blinds create a stylish, modern look in any room. In conclusion, selecting the perfect window blinds for your home or office in Sioux Falls requires careful consideration of all available options. By choosing Peaky Window Blinds and accurately measuring your windows, you can ensure that your window blinds fit perfectly and look stunning. If you need additional guidance or support, Alan at Peaky Window Blinds is always available to help. Remember to check out zebra roller blinds for a modern and stylish look that offers optimal light control and is effortless to clean.

Our mission was to completely update and transform their huge house into a cozy, welcoming and warm home of their own. “When we moved in, it was such a novelty to live in a proper house. But it still felt like the in-law’s home,” our clients told us. “Our dream was to make it feel like our home.” Our transformation skills were put to the test when we created the host-worthy kitchen space (complete with a barista bar!) that would double as the heart of their home and a place to make memories with their friends and family. We upgraded and updated their dark and uninviting family room with fresh furnishings, flooring and lighting and turned those beautiful exposed beams into a feature point of the space. The end result was a flow of modern, welcoming and authentic spaces that finally felt like home. And, yep … the invite was officially sent out! Our clients had an eclectic style rich in history, culture and a lifetime of adventures. We wanted to highlight these stories in their home and give their memorabilia places to be seen and appreciated. The at-home office was crafted to blend subtle elegance with a calming, casual atmosphere that would make it easy for our clients to enjoy spending time in the space (without it feeling like they were working!) We carefully selected a pop of color as the feature wall in the primary suite and installed a gorgeous shiplap ledge wall for our clients to display their meaningful art and memorabilia. Then, we carried the theme all the way into the ensuite to create a retreat that felt complete.

This Solana Beach bathroom was completely transformed from an outdated tub and shower into a modern, functional walk-in shower designed for everyday comfort and lasting durability. The project began with a full demolition, followed by plumbing updates, electrical improvements, waterproofing, cement board installation, and a custom mortar shower pan. Every step was completed with a focus on long-term performance before the finish materials were installed. The new shower features large-format Calacatta-look porcelain tile, a custom recessed niche with matte black trim, matte black plumbing fixtures, frameless sliding glass doors, and a hexagon porcelain mosaic shower floor. Outside the shower, we installed a new double vanity with a quartz countertop, undermount sinks, updated mirrors, modern lighting, luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint, and new accessories to complete the space. To help the homeowner visualize the project before construction, we first created 3D renderings and then brought that vision to life through careful planning and craftsmanship. At MA Properties Construction, we believe beautiful bathrooms begin with proper preparation. That's why every remodel is built with quality waterproofing, attention to detail, and materials selected for long-term performance. If you're considering a bathroom remodel in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, or anywhere in North County San Diego, we'd be happy to help you transform your space.

This Solana Beach bathroom was completely transformed from an outdated tub and shower into a modern, functional walk-in shower designed for everyday comfort and lasting durability. The project began with a full demolition, followed by plumbing updates, electrical improvements, waterproofing, cement board installation, and a custom mortar shower pan. Every step was completed with a focus on long-term performance before the finish materials were installed. The new shower features large-format Calacatta-look porcelain tile, a custom recessed niche with matte black trim, matte black plumbing fixtures, frameless sliding glass doors, and a hexagon porcelain mosaic shower floor. Outside the shower, we installed a new double vanity with a quartz countertop, undermount sinks, updated mirrors, modern lighting, luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint, and new accessories to complete the space. To help the homeowner visualize the project before construction, we first created 3D renderings and then brought that vision to life through careful planning and craftsmanship. At MA Properties Construction, we believe beautiful bathrooms begin with proper preparation. That's why every remodel is built with quality waterproofing, attention to detail, and materials selected for long-term performance. If you're considering a bathroom remodel in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, or anywhere in North County San Diego, we'd be happy to help you transform your space.

Our mission was to completely update and transform their huge house into a cozy, welcoming and warm home of their own. “When we moved in, it was such a novelty to live in a proper house. But it still felt like the in-law’s home,” our clients told us. “Our dream was to make it feel like our home.” Our transformation skills were put to the test when we created the host-worthy kitchen space (complete with a barista bar!) that would double as the heart of their home and a place to make memories with their friends and family. We upgraded and updated their dark and uninviting family room with fresh furnishings, flooring and lighting and turned those beautiful exposed beams into a feature point of the space. The end result was a flow of modern, welcoming and authentic spaces that finally felt like home. And, yep … the invite was officially sent out! Our clients had an eclectic style rich in history, culture and a lifetime of adventures. We wanted to highlight these stories in their home and give their memorabilia places to be seen and appreciated. The at-home office was crafted to blend subtle elegance with a calming, casual atmosphere that would make it easy for our clients to enjoy spending time in the space (without it feeling like they were working!) We carefully selected a pop of color as the feature wall in the primary suite and installed a gorgeous shiplap ledge wall for our clients to display their meaningful art and memorabilia. Then, we carried the theme all the way into the ensuite to create a retreat that felt complete.

This Ravensdale, WA project showcases a thoughtfully designed outdoor living space that blends functionality, comfort, and craftsmanship. The new patio cover was custom-built to integrate seamlessly with the existing home, featuring a solid structural design, clean lines, and carefully matched roofing for a cohesive finish. Attention to detail played a key role throughout the build. From precise beam placement and soffit installation to coordinating gutter tie-ins with the existing drainage system, every element was planned to ensure both performance and aesthetics. The structure was adjusted on-site to accommodate existing features like the fireplace vent, maintaining proper clearances while preserving the overall design intent. The outdoor kitchen was framed with durable steel studs, providing a long-lasting foundation for future finishes and appliances. The layout allows for flexibility, with provisions for upgraded countertops, lighting, and appliance selections as the homeowner finalizes design choices. Adjacent to the kitchen, the custom outdoor fireplace creates a natural focal point, complete with a Douglas fir mantle that adds warmth and character, embracing the organic qualities of the material. Electrical upgrades enhance usability and ambiance, including integrated LED lighting, heater provisions for year-round comfort, and strategically placed outlets to support both the kitchen and entertainment needs. The system was designed with efficiency in mind, utilizing existing pathways and infrastructure wherever possible. Throughout the project, the team prioritized clear communication and adaptability—whether working around existing site conditions, coordinating multiple trades, or making real-time adjustments to deliver the best outcome. The result is a versatile and inviting outdoor space designed for everyday living and entertaining, built to stand the test of time.

This Solana Beach bathroom was completely transformed from an outdated tub and shower into a modern, functional walk-in shower designed for everyday comfort and lasting durability. The project began with a full demolition, followed by plumbing updates, electrical improvements, waterproofing, cement board installation, and a custom mortar shower pan. Every step was completed with a focus on long-term performance before the finish materials were installed. The new shower features large-format Calacatta-look porcelain tile, a custom recessed niche with matte black trim, matte black plumbing fixtures, frameless sliding glass doors, and a hexagon porcelain mosaic shower floor. Outside the shower, we installed a new double vanity with a quartz countertop, undermount sinks, updated mirrors, modern lighting, luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint, and new accessories to complete the space. To help the homeowner visualize the project before construction, we first created 3D renderings and then brought that vision to life through careful planning and craftsmanship. At MA Properties Construction, we believe beautiful bathrooms begin with proper preparation. That's why every remodel is built with quality waterproofing, attention to detail, and materials selected for long-term performance. If you're considering a bathroom remodel in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, or anywhere in North County San Diego, we'd be happy to help you transform your space.

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