This home is inspired by the owner’s trips to France and by the early 20th century neo classical architecture of Charles Platt and David Alder. Rigorous attention to proportion, scale and detail bring authenticity to the design. The plan is organized around a central two-story family room. This is a cube of space measuring twenty feet on each side. Living, dining, cooking and circulation spaces form the edges of the light filled core. A terrace and covered porch connect the living areas to the site on the west side where views of Lake Washington, Seattle and the Olympic Mountains are enjoyed. An existing house on the property was dismantled and recycled for second use. The new home features geothermal heating and natural ventilation strategies to reduce dependencies on fossil fuels.

Photographer: Tom Crane Made of 300, 10-foot steel blades set upright 8 inches apart, the award winning Cor-Ten Cattails Sculptural fence was designed for a home in Berwyn, Pennsylvania as a yard sculpture that also keeps deer out. Made of COR-TEN, a steel alloy that eliminates the need for painting and maintains a rich, dark rust color without corroding, the fence stanchions were cut with a plasma cutter from sheets of the alloy. Each blade stands 8 feet above grade, set in concrete 3 feet below, weighs 80-90 pounds and is 5/8 inch thick. The profile of the blades is an irregular trapezoid with no horizontal connections or supports. Only the gate has two horizontal bars, and each leaf weighs 1200 pounds.

Minimalist entryway photo in Austin

A bold vibrant planting scheme design was adopted to give the property a resort style feel, and an almost prehistoric horticultural journey of depth, texture and colour.

Example of a classic gray tile alcove shower design in San Francisco with louvered cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and a wall-mount toilet

WHAT MAKES VILLA TERRA GREEN? 1. Rammed Earth and PISE Walls Beyond it’s beautiful qualities and “Old World” look, the rammed earth and PISE walls (pneumatically impacted stabilized earth) drastically reduce the use of trees for the initial wall framing lumber. And because this “Earth Structure” will far outlast any wood frame building, trees are again saved many times over, creating the foundation for the true model of sustainability. We have created a house that will essentially last forever, instead of having to be rebuilt every 50 to 75 years. The 18” thick PISE walls and concrete floors also provide thermal mass, an integral part of the passive solar design of the house. These features help keep the house naturally cooler in summer and retaining heat in winter, greatly reducing the heating and cooling loads and energy use. 2. High Content Fly Ash Concrete Foundation Use of high content (25%) fly ash (industrial waste byproduct) in place of Portland Cement results in reduction of energy consumption and green house gas emissions associated with Portland cement production (second only to petroleum in terms of carbon dioxide emissions). 3. Reclaimed Plumbing Fixtures All lavatory sinks and tubs were bought from salvage yards (tub is reportedly from the Jack Benny house in Hollywood). Reclaimed Carrara marble fountain has been made into the powder room sink. 4. Natural Daylighting Use of numerous skylights and high transom windows to reduce electrical lighting loads during the day. Natural daylighting also has documented benefits on mood, productivity, and enjoyment of the space. 5. Photo Voltaic Solar Panels Use of PV solar electric generation system to reduce electrical grid consumption, and bi-directional meter sends power back to the grid when it is needed most, on hot summer afternoons. 6. Hydronic Radiant Heat Floor Use of hydronic radiant floor heating system saves energy, is more efficient for residential heating, is more comfortable for inhabitants, and promotes superior indoor air quality over forced air systems. 7. Natural/Passive Ventilation Use of operable skylights operable high windows and ceiling fans, creates a natural convection current, thereby eliminating the need for an air conditioning system. 8. Passive Solar Design Use of extensive east and south facing glass, proper overhangs, high interior mass, deciduous grape vines on appropriately placed trellises, to passively heat the home in winter, and protect the house from unnecessary heat gain in summer. 9. Reclaimed Lumber - Douglas fir ceiling beams reclaimed from the Town & Country Village Shopping Center (now Santana Row) in San Jose. - Douglas fir ceiling decking reclaimed from the 118 year old Notre Dame High School in downtown San Jose. TJI joists reclaimed from the “Millenium Man” movie set in Alameda used for floor and roof framing. Redwood ceiling beams reclaimed from a Los Altos cabana/trellis. 10. Extensive Use of Other Reclaimed Materials Two antique reclaimed European stone fireplace mantles grace the family room and master bedroom fireplaces. Interior doors with glass knobs reclaimed from the original house located at the property. Two large terraces utilize used brick salvaged from at least 15 different locations. Courtyard fountain is tiled using recycled and restored ceramic tiles from a 1928 California Colonial house in Los Altos. Cabinet lumber from original house used for closet shelving. Plywood from crates that the windows and doors were delivered in were used to create garage shear walls. Foundation forms were salvaged and rip cut for use as interior stud walls. Garage doors were salvaged from a remodel project in Mountain View. 11. Ground Source Heat Pump - Ground source heat pump uses geothermal energy to heat the house and domestic water, greatly reducing natural gas and fossil fuel consumption. 12. Low VOC Paint Clay Plaster Wall Finishes VOC-free interior paint and stain finishes promotes healthy indoor air quality, reduces exacerbation of respiratory ailments such as asthma and lung cancer. Extensive use of American Clay Plaster integral color wall finish eliminates need for painted walls. 13. High Efficiency Windows Use of energy efficient dual pane thermal glazing with “Low e” coating at all doors and windows reduces heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, cutting energy use. 14. Engineered Structural Lumber Extensive use of engineered lumber for structural framing and sheathing reduces cutting of old growth forests, and encourages use of “crop lumber”. 15. FSC Certified Mill Work Extensive use of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified sustainable lumber products for cabinetry, hardwood flooring, trim, etc. further protects the environment through third party monitoring and certification of the entire supply chain. 16. Cotton Insulation Formaldehyde-free cotton insulation made from recycled blue jeans used extensively for attic insulation. photography by Frank Paul Perez

Sun Control of Minnesota is a family owned and operated business that offers Professional Window Tinting Services. We first started out in one office with two part time installers, and we have now grown our business with over 15 employees badge-1980and four different locations in the metro area. We continue to expand our relationships with customers, as well as our service and quality of work. We offer a complete line of Window Tinting services for Automotive, Commercial, Residential, & Marine applications. Our products include Decorative Frost Films, for glass enhancement; Safety/ Security Films, for Anti-Theft and Blast Protection; and 3M Paint Protection Film, for Automotive Rock Chip Prevention. We focus on helping our customers reduce damaging UV rays, excessive solar heat gain, and glare from their interior spaces. UV rays, solar heat, and visible light are the main contributors to fading concerns in homes. Window Film reduces these elements to provide a beautiful view without having to close out the natural sunlight with a shade or blind. We provide the quality that competitors can’t even touch. Our Mission is to Provide the Highest Quality Service, Products, and Installation in the Solar Energy Control Tint & Glass Film industry.

Photo: Chris Snook © 2015 Houzz
Small cottage chic l-shaped kitchen photo in London with distressed cabinets and no island

Sam Oberter Photography 2012 Design Excellence Award, Residential Design+Build Magazine 2011 Watermark Award
Small trendy u-shaped slate floor and multicolored floor eat-in kitchen photo in New York with stainless steel countertops, stainless steel appliances, shaker cabinets, distressed cabinets, a farmhouse sink, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash and an island

Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Detroit with white cabinets and multicolored backsplash

Small farmhouse backyard stamped concrete patio photo in New York with a pergola

Interior Painting: This gorgeous front entry leaves a very elegant first impression. Beautiful leaded glass doors and large lattice windows let the sun shine in. Beige interior paint and white woodwork add to the open expansive feel.

Back from the ashes!! Burned in the Tea Fire. Lovely Mediterranean Garden. * Builder of the Year: Best Landscape and Hardscape for Santa Barbara Contractors Association

This house, in eastern Washington’s Kittitas County, is sited on the shallow incline of a slight elevation, in the midst of fifty acres of pasture and prairie grassland, a place of vast expanses, where only distant hills and the occasional isolated tree interrupt the view toward the horizon. Where another design might seem to be an alien import, this house feels entirely native, powerfully attached to the land. Set back from and protected under the tent-like protection of the roof, the front of the house is entirely transparent, glowing like a lantern in the evening. Along the windowed wall that looks out over the porch, a full-length enfilade reaches out to the far window at each end. Steep ship’s ladders on either side of the great room lead to loft spaces, lighted by a single window placed high on the gable ends. On either side of the massive stone fireplace, angled window seats offer views of the grasslands and of the watch tower. Eight-foot-high accordion doors at the porch end of the great room fold away, extending the room out to a screened space for summer, a glass-enclosed solarium in winter. In addition to serving as an observation look-out and beacon, the tower serves the practical function of housing a below-grade wine cellar and sleeping benches. Tower and house align from entrance to entrance, literally linked by a pathway, set off axis and leading to steps that descend into the courtyard.

A slotted Drawer Knife Holder (DKH) keeps blades sharp, while a chop block (CBD) is conveniently located in the adjacent drawer. The chopping block has storage space below and is removable from the drawer for countertop use. Soaring mountain peaks, rugged terrain, and old pine forests appeal to a large audience of outdoor adventures. Regardless of whether your mountain experience includes skiing, fly-fishing, hiking, or lounging by the fireplace, the majestic grandeur and awe of the mountains have inspired a unique, architectural style. Rustic woods and equally rustic finishes are a notable feature of “Mountain” architecture. A massive, stone fireplace is another definitive focal point. Furnishings are imposing and luxurious, design elements are grand scale, and natural textures and surfaces (stone, wood, burnished, metals, etc/) are expertly blended. Rustic woods and distressed finishes are a perfect complement to “Mountain Resort” styling. Request a FREE Brochure: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a dealer near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

This is a little project we did for a friend a few years ago. Our client approached us after the south face of her house had deteriorated to the point that severe rot and mold had invaded the structure. She also wanted to give the front of her house a facelift and create some more curb appeal. On little projects like these, budget often dictates our design solution and our approach is to maximize value on behalf of our clients. We don't trying to win design awards with these small projects nor are we trying to get published. Our goal is to simply and elegantly solve the problem we are presented with at a price point that our client can afford. There are several ideas we incorporated into this design solution. Foremost was to solve the water infiltration into the building envelope. The structure faces due south and takes a beating from all of the winter storms we get here in the Pacific Northwest. In the summer, harsh sun warps and cracks most siding materials. This solution entailed stripping the entire south facing facade down to the studs, tearing out all of the rotted lumber and reframing this wall to accept new windows. This wall was then insulated, sheathed, covered with a high performance building paper and then sided with a cementitious siding material. We added a cover at the front door to both protect the house and to announce the entry. The element of time plays a large role in our designs and in this case we wanted to highlight the transition from the outer environment to protected interior of the home. Finally, with the addition of the minimal arbor we created a public space on the front of the house that allows for gathering, gives the house more visual interest and provides a public zone between the house and the street. This zone is literally a way for our client, who runs a business on the upper level of her home, to get out of her house and interact with the world. In short, this was a contextual solution that blends in well with its neighbors and promotes community through a classic front porch design. Our client spends a lot of time here in the summers chatting with neighbors, enjoying a glass of wine and watching the setting sun.

At the heart of the picturesque orchards and wineries of the Okanagan Valley and located in Kelowna stands this imposing family home. Surrounded by beautifully designed and immaculately kept gardens, the house is a charming combination of luxurious indoor space and stunning landscaped exterior. The owners extensively remodeled the house and added the front veranda and the swimming pool, as well as a back porch and patio to enjoy an unrestricted view of the extensive manicured gardens. The porch is used as an entertaining space and acts as a transition between indoors and outside. The homeowners love their covered porch and the protection from the elements it offers — allowing them to enjoy their gardens whatever the weather. From the end of winter to the last days of fall they like to sit, relax and entertain. Unfortunately, especially in the height of summer, they suffered the unwanted attention of insects and had to retreat indoors. So they looked for a screen solution which would act as a barrier to insects without obstructing the view of their backyard and not take away from the simple and elegant design of their porch. The homeowners chose retractable screens as the best screen solution suitable for their porch. The view of the gardens was very important and therefore the screens had to be retractable when not in use. The screens also needed to be easy to operate, simple to maintain, and easy to fit in with the owners’ lifestyle. After full consultation with the couple, Phantom Screens’ BC Interior Division recommended motorized Executive Screens by Phantom® recessed into the porch’s archways to maintain the clean lines of the home’s design. The screens are completely out of sight when not in use, and can be lowered by the simple press of a button on a remote control or a control pad located near the door. The installation of the screens has enabled the homeowners to thoroughly enjoy their garden, as well as allowing the exterior spaces of their home to be used comfortably from early spring to late fall.

WHAT MAKES VILLA TERRA GREEN? 1. Rammed Earth and PISE Walls Beyond it’s beautiful qualities and “Old World” look, the rammed earth and PISE walls (pneumatically impacted stabilized earth) drastically reduce the use of trees for the initial wall framing lumber. And because this “Earth Structure” will far outlast any wood frame building, trees are again saved many times over, creating the foundation for the true model of sustainability. We have created a house that will essentially last forever, instead of having to be rebuilt every 50 to 75 years. The 18” thick PISE walls and concrete floors also provide thermal mass, an integral part of the passive solar design of the house. These features help keep the house naturally cooler in summer and retaining heat in winter, greatly reducing the heating and cooling loads and energy use. 2. High Content Fly Ash Concrete Foundation Use of high content (25%) fly ash (industrial waste byproduct) in place of Portland Cement results in reduction of energy consumption and green house gas emissions associated with Portland cement production (second only to petroleum in terms of carbon dioxide emissions). 3. Reclaimed Plumbing Fixtures All lavatory sinks and tubs were bought from salvage yards (tub is reportedly from the Jack Benny house in Hollywood). Reclaimed Carrara marble fountain has been made into the powder room sink. 4. Natural Daylighting Use of numerous skylights and high transom windows to reduce electrical lighting loads during the day. Natural daylighting also has documented benefits on mood, productivity, and enjoyment of the space. 5. Photo Voltaic Solar Panels Use of PV solar electric generation system to reduce electrical grid consumption, and bi-directional meter sends power back to the grid when it is needed most, on hot summer afternoons. 6. Hydronic Radiant Heat Floor Use of hydronic radiant floor heating system saves energy, is more efficient for residential heating, is more comfortable for inhabitants, and promotes superior indoor air quality over forced air systems. 7. Natural/Passive Ventilation Use of operable skylights operable high windows and ceiling fans, creates a natural convection current, thereby eliminating the need for an air conditioning system. 8. Passive Solar Design Use of extensive east and south facing glass, proper overhangs, high interior mass, deciduous grape vines on appropriately placed trellises, to passively heat the home in winter, and protect the house from unnecessary heat gain in summer. 9. Reclaimed Lumber - Douglas fir ceiling beams reclaimed from the Town & Country Village Shopping Center (now Santana Row) in San Jose. - Douglas fir ceiling decking reclaimed from the 118 year old Notre Dame High School in downtown San Jose. TJI joists reclaimed from the “Millenium Man” movie set in Alameda used for floor and roof framing. Redwood ceiling beams reclaimed from a Los Altos cabana/trellis. 10. Extensive Use of Other Reclaimed Materials Two antique reclaimed European stone fireplace mantles grace the family room and master bedroom fireplaces. Interior doors with glass knobs reclaimed from the original house located at the property. Two large terraces utilize used brick salvaged from at least 15 different locations. Courtyard fountain is tiled using recycled and restored ceramic tiles from a 1928 California Colonial house in Los Altos. Cabinet lumber from original house used for closet shelving. Plywood from crates that the windows and doors were delivered in were used to create garage shear walls. Foundation forms were salvaged and rip cut for use as interior stud walls. Garage doors were salvaged from a remodel project in Mountain View. 11. Ground Source Heat Pump - Ground source heat pump uses geothermal energy to heat the house and domestic water, greatly reducing natural gas and fossil fuel consumption. 12. Low VOC Paint Clay Plaster Wall Finishes VOC-free interior paint and stain finishes promotes healthy indoor air quality, reduces exacerbation of respiratory ailments such as asthma and lung cancer. Extensive use of American Clay Plaster integral color wall finish eliminates need for painted walls. 13. High Efficiency Windows Use of energy efficient dual pane thermal glazing with “Low e” coating at all doors and windows reduces heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, cutting energy use. 14. Engineered Structural Lumber Extensive use of engineered lumber for structural framing and sheathing reduces cutting of old growth forests, and encourages use of “crop lumber”. 15. FSC Certified Mill Work Extensive use of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified sustainable lumber products for cabinetry, hardwood flooring, trim, etc. further protects the environment through third party monitoring and certification of the entire supply chain. 16. Cotton Insulation Formaldehyde-free cotton insulation made from recycled blue jeans used extensively for attic insulation. photography by Frank Paul Perez