Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby 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

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Kitchen consists of Yorktown style Cabinets. Maple hardwood and plywood boxing constructed to support the beautiful Quartz counter tops installed atop them. Cabinet and Stone City strives for structural integrity and perfection so it is used to its full life expectancy, if taken proper care, lasts well over 20 years. From Base Cabinets to Wall Cabinets, a center island which includes counter top overhang for extra seating and storage space underneath. This selection is made by YOU, our customer. Everything you want that we are capable of doing within certain perimeters, will be your very decision. This is a step by step process that is very easy and we hope to work with you in the future!

We exposed the existing roof decking as part of our roof replacement process, carefully removing the old shingles to access the underlying structure. This stage allowed our team to inspect the roof sheathing and identify areas requiring attention before installing the new roofing materials. We also worked around existing skylights, vents, and other roof features to ensure proper preparation for the next phase of installation.

Overhead detail on this intricate Western Red Cedar installation combining traditional craftsmanship with high-performance materials suited to its wooded Connecticut River setting. CCA-treated tapersawn cedar from Waska Mills was selected for enhanced resistance to fungal growth—an important advantage in a shaded, moisture-prone environment near the brackish river. Beneath the cedar, Grace Select underlayment provides an added moisture barrier, topped with Cedar Breather matting to promote airflow and help the roof dry properly. Complex rooflines and transitions showcase the cedar’s natural character, while a Firestone .090 EPDM membrane provides durable protection across the expansive low-slope section, creating a carefully integrated hybrid roofing system.

An amazing aspect of every garden and landscape is the process by which it grows into maturity, ever-evolving over time. Careful planning, intelligent design and proper maintenance are essential factors in the success and lifespan of any landscape and the plant material that defines it.

We were able to work with existing posts and crossbeams to install this pinewood fence. Leveled and stained it blends with the natural look of the yard. We conferred with the homeowner to determine the proper height. You can see that it allows for a feeling of community with the neighbors, not blocking their view, while creating privacy during gatherings on the improved and updated patio.

Example of a minimalist kitchen design in Cleveland

Flashing detail around this hexagonal turret and cricket roof; part of this intricate Western Red Cedar installation. CCA-treated tapersawn cedar from Waska Mills was selected for enhanced resistance to fungal growth—an important advantage in a shaded, moisture-prone environment near the brackish river. Beneath the cedar, Grace Select underlayment provides an added moisture barrier, topped with Cedar Breather matting to promote airflow and help the roof dry properly. Complex rooflines and transitions showcase the cedar’s natural character, while a Firestone .090 EPDM membrane provides durable protection across the expansive low-slope section, creating a carefully integrated hybrid roofing system.

Garage door maintenance near Knoxville is essential to the longevity and proper function of a garage door. When a garage door receives appropriate care, irritating noise is reduced and the warranty is maintained. Having a professional service your door brings peace of mind and saves money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or even replacement. Garage Door Solutions of Tennessee is proud to carry the best garage door motors in the business. Our products offer features like: battery backup for when the power is out, and WiFi control, so you can access your garage door even if you are not home, LED Lighting, whisper quiet action and warranties. If your garage doors are over 15 years old and are not operating properly, now may be the time to replace your garage doors. Garage door repairs on older garage doors often cost more than installing new ones. This is due to the limited availability of parts and upgraded garage door opener designs. New garage doors provide quieter operation, more efficient functionality and increased curb appeal. Tell them Houzz sent you 865-219-5543 333 TROY CIRCLE SUITE V KNOXVILLE, TN 37919 INFO@GARAGEDOORSOLUTIONSTN.COM

This intricate Western Red Cedar installation combines traditional craftsmanship with high-performance materials suited to its wooded Connecticut River setting. CCA-treated tapersawn cedar from Waska Mills was selected for enhanced resistance to fungal growth—an important advantage in a shaded, moisture-prone environment near the brackish river. Beneath the cedar, Grace Select underlayment provides an added moisture barrier, topped with Cedar Breather matting to promote airflow and help the roof dry properly. Complex rooflines and transitions showcase the cedar’s natural character, while a Firestone .090 EPDM membrane provides durable protection across the expansive low-slope section, creating a carefully integrated hybrid roofing system.

Our team completed a poolside project that transformed a worn landscape into a fresh, lush oasis with premium synthetic turf, providing a low-maintenance, beautiful upgrade perfect for Arizona's climate. We began by carefully removing and disposing of the existing turf to make way for a clean foundation. Next, we expertly graded the pool area to create an even, durable surface that ensures proper drainage and stability for the new turf installation. Finally, we installed 80 oz. Daytona Turf, a high-quality, lush synthetic option that offers the look and feel of natural grass without the upkeep. This project not only enhances the visual appeal around the pool but also provides a soft, comfortable surface that stays green and vibrant year-round.

Hardwood floors are a popular choice for London apartments because of their durability, timeless appeal and easy maintenance. They add a classic look and warmth to any space, and are perfect for an array of decorating styles. Hardwood floors are available in a variety of colors, grains, and finishes, so you can customize the look to suit the style and design of your apartment. With proper care and maintenance, hardwood floors can last a lifetime and add value to your home. Installing hardwood floors in your London apartment will bring a sense of charm and timelessness that can't be beaten.

Our modern interpretation of a classic, comfortable favorite soft, supple top grain leather. It is available in three configurations traditional bed, platform bed or headboard alone. The tall headboard is hand tufted with buttons, upholstered in a white top grain leather that is easy to care for and luxurious to the touch. Thick solid mahogany rails and feet provide a solid base for the bed and platform bed. Rails have a tiger mahogany finish. The platform bed includes an upholstered platform designed for proper mattress support. The headboard only option attaches to most standard metal bed frames.

Native to the rainforests of western and central Africa, the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (Ficus lyrata) is a stunning plant with huge green leaves and an even larger following of houseplant fans. Despite its popularity, it's certainly not the easiest houseplant to look after, but its visual impact in a space is unmatched when given proper conditions and care. The Fiddle Leaf Fig appreciates a warm, humid environment, a fair amount of water and plenty of light. Choose a location away from air vents and drafts where the tree will receive plenty of bright ambient light.

Tile floors are a popular choice for bathrooms in London. They are a durable and attractive option that can last for years. Tile floors are easy to clean and maintain and can give a bathroom a modern and timeless look. Tiles come in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to customize the look of your bathroom. Tile floors are also resistant to water and moisture, making them a great choice for bathrooms in wet climates. With proper care and maintenance, tile floors can stay looking beautiful for years to come.

Garage door maintenance near Knoxville is essential to the longevity and proper function of a garage door. When a garage door receives appropriate care, irritating noise is reduced and the warranty is maintained. Having a professional service your door brings peace of mind and saves money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or even replacement. Garage Door Solutions of Tennessee is proud to carry the best garage door motors in the business. Our products offer features like: battery backup for when the power is out, and WiFi control, so you can access your garage door even if you are not home, LED Lighting, whisper quiet action and warranties. If your garage doors are over 15 years old and are not operating properly, now may be the time to replace your garage doors. Garage door repairs on older garage doors often cost more than installing new ones. This is due to the limited availability of parts and upgraded garage door opener designs. New garage doors provide quieter operation, more efficient functionality and increased curb appeal. Tell them Houzz sent you 865-219-5543 333 TROY CIRCLE SUITE V KNOXVILLE, TN 37919 INFO@GARAGEDOORSOLUTIONSTN.COM

barbecue granite countertop. Why Granite for your BBQ? Granite is perhaps the best material for homeowners to use as an outdoor kitchen countertop. This stone’s durability can stand up against the harsh conditions on the South Florida with ease. Hot and sunny day? No problem! Granite can withstand the heat from the sun and hot pans without any issues. With a proper coat of sealant, granite is also resistant against stains, mold, and mildew so even the messiest gatherings or rainiest days won’t pose a threat. This natural stone is already very easy to maintain, but with a proper sealant, it will be even easier to take care of. No matter what style you choose, you wont need to worry about it fading under sun exposure. Sunlight can make darker colors hot to the touch, so you might want to purchase a lighter color if your outdoor kitchen doesn’t have shading. If you’re looking for to match the look of nature with your outdoor kitchen, consider going with a honed finish rather than a polished one. Overall, granite sets the bar high for materials to use in an outdoor kitchen countertop, but there are plenty of other great alternatives as well.