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

The homeowners of this condo sought our assistance when downsizing from a large family home on Howe Sound to a small urban condo in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver. They asked us to incorporate many of their precious antiques and art pieces into the new design. Our challenges here were twofold; first, how to deal with the unconventional curved floor plan with vast South facing windows that provide a 180 degree view of downtown Vancouver, and second, how to successfully merge an eclectic collection of antique pieces into a modern setting. We began by updating most of their artwork with new matting and framing. We created a gallery effect by grouping like artwork together and displaying larger pieces on the sections of wall between the windows, lighting them with black wall sconces for a graphic effect. We re-upholstered their antique seating with more contemporary fabrics choices - a gray flannel on their Victorian fainting couch and a fun orange chenille animal print on their Louis style chairs. We selected black as an accent colour for many of the accessories as well as the dining room wall to give the space a sophisticated modern edge. The new pieces that we added, including the sofa, coffee table and dining light fixture are mid century inspired, bridging the gap between old and new. White walls and understated wallpaper provide the perfect backdrop for the colourful mix of antique pieces. Interior Design by Lori Steeves, Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography

This compact yet functional living room is brought to life with large glazed doors and windows. Traditional mouldings including new door trim, crown moulding and base help to ground the space in traditional elements.

The bathrooms that we renovated in this home used materials and colours that went so well with the rest of the house. The homeowners have a great sense of style and an excellent eye for detail. We're glad we could provide them with a product they were happy with. I can't wait to see the wine cellar go in downstairs!

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

Trendy open concept living room photo in Dallas with gray walls, a wall-mounted tv and a ribbon fireplace

Susan Fisher Photography
Home office - contemporary home office idea in London

Travis Mark
Trendy rooftop rooftop deck photo in New York with no cover

Example of a large beach style formal and open concept living room design in Los Angeles

This unique city-home is designed with a center entry, flanked by formal living and dining rooms on either side. An expansive gourmet kitchen / great room spans the rear of the main floor, opening onto a terraced outdoor space comprised of more than 700SF. The home also boasts an open, four-story staircase flooded with natural, southern light, as well as a lower level family room, four bedrooms (including two en-suite) on the second floor, and an additional two bedrooms and study on the third floor. A spacious, 500SF roof deck is accessible from the top of the staircase, providing additional outdoor space for play and entertainment. Due to the location and shape of the site, there is a 2-car, heated garage under the house, providing direct entry from the garage into the lower level mudroom. Two additional off-street parking spots are also provided in the covered driveway leading to the garage. Designed with family living in mind, the home has also been designed for entertaining and to embrace life's creature comforts. Pre-wired with HD Video, Audio and comprehensive low-voltage services, the home is able to accommodate and distribute any low voltage services requested by the homeowner. This home was pre-sold during construction. Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing

This floral custom dining room chandelier chandelier looks like an upside down flower pot miraculously suspended in mid-air. The reds in the chandelier match the red painted walls, while the yellows bring out the bamboo floors and light wood dining room table and dining room chairs. There is also plenty of natural sunlight from big sky windows. This home is traditional with a touch of contemporary in the furniture. Our blown glass chandeliers are made totally custom to fit perfectly in your unique space. We work with you to capture the inner essence you wish to express. Our client wished to add color to their sun room. This Deep Cobalt chandelier looks absolutely brilliant, as the outside sun and internal light of the chandelier converge in a kaleidoscope of blue. The glass dining room table and casual wooden chairs combined with the outside forestry make for a phenomenal combination. This custom blown glass art platter chandelier is made from our golden topaz sconce flowers. This style of chandelier is wonderful for modern contemporary homes, and matches the wooden floors, grey rug, and white ceilings. This custom blown glass art platter chandelier is made from our golden topaz sconce flowers. This style of chandelier is wonderful for modern contemporary homes, and matches the wooden floors, grey rug, and white ceilings. It looks stunning over this wooden kitchen island. Our custom-made glass lighting fixtures are perfect for your foyer, entryway, stairwell, living room, dining room, kitchen, or any room in your home. All of our chandeliers and custom blown glass lighting is fully customizable and tailored to fit your unique space. No two works are the same, each piece is custom made exactly for you. This is a totally unique, Elongated, all-clear Ribbon chandelier we produced for a client's dining room. This fits in with traditional decor but with a modern twist, It matches the wood flooring, oak table, and mahogany dresser, and the abundance of natural sunlight from large windows makes this custom lighting glass fixture sparkle. This is a totally unique, Elongated, all-clear Ribbon chandelier we produced for a client's dining room. This fits in with traditional decor but with a modern twist, It matches the wood flooring, oak table, and mahogany dresser, and the abundance of natural sunlight from large windows makes this custom lighting glass fixture sparkle. We are a three generation family business, with over 50 years of experience. We have installations all over the world, for governments, civic memorials, public works, interior designers, decorators, architects, engineers, museums, art galleries, hotels, restaurants, corporations, corporate clients, businesses, ranches, oceanfront properties, apartment buildings, condominiums, and numerous private clients. This floral custom dining room chandelier chandelier looks like an upside down flower pot miraculously suspended in mid-air. The reds in the chandelier match the red painted walls, while the yellows bring out the bamboo floors and light wood dining room table and dining room chairs. There is also plenty of natural sunlight from big sky windows. This home is traditional with a touch of contemporary in the furniture. For this particular client living in Malibu, we procured for them a chandelier to fit the ultra-contemporary decor of their interior, enhance their home's natural light, and compliment the sun-abundant environment in which they live. 48" high x 72" long x 48" wide Colors shown: Orange, Fire Red, Yellow This blown-glass garden sculpture is designed to uniquely enhance your outdoor space. Dimensions and colors fully customizable, and sculpture can be lit from within for a nighttime glowing effect. 48" high x 72" long x 48" wide Colors shown: Aqua Blue, Lime, Emerald Green, Violet This blown-glass garden sculpture is designed to uniquely enhance your outdoor space. Dimensions and colors fully customizable, and sculpture can be lit from within for a nighttime glowing. 48" high x 48" wide x 24" deep These Opal White sconces seem to work in any space, as their internal lights cast a soft, agreeable glow. This particular pair adds a subtle touch to a forest view, and softens the juxtaposition between inside and out. Just like our chandeliers, our sconces are internally lit with ultra long-lasting, dimmable LEDs. 50" high x 46" wide x 26" deep This is a honey, wood, and grey sconce we produced for a client to accentuate a warm, wooden, yet contemporary feel. Just like our chandeliers, our sconces are internally lit with ultra long-lasting, dimmable LEDs. 72" high x 60" wide x 24" deep This wall sconce is simply fun. Vibrant colors play with each other, yet match because they fall in the same color spectrum, as the client's sitting room is transformed into a display of modern art. Just like our chandeliers, our sconces are internally lit with ultra long-lasting, dimmable LEDs. We serve the entire United States and Canada. We service all 50 states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Florida, Miami, Coral Gables, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. In California, we specifically service Orange County, Los Angeles, LA County, and Malibu. Zip code 90210. In the Washington D.C. area, we specifically serve Alexandria, Arlington, Loudon, Bethesda, Upper Marlboro, Kalorama, and the Palisades. In Connecticut, we specifically serve Greenwich. Zip codes 22314 and 2203. Our custom made, blown glass chandeliers are functional glass art and can be customized for apartments, condos, a client’s foyer, living room, dining room, great room, family room, kitchen, kitchen island, even bathroom and bedroom. Our fully custom glass art chandeliers are all blown here in the United States of America. We customize them to go with all furnishings, including one’s mahogany dining room table, wood dining room table, contemporary dining room table, traditional dining room table, and modern dining room table. They also match one’s marble kitchen island, skylight, coffee table, custom wallpaper, other lighting fixtures, custom wall sconces, dining room chairs, marble countertops. They look phenomenal in large or small homes, and seaside villas. Ocean front properties are a speciality of ours as well. A closeup photo of the outdoor patio chandelier, displaying the incredible detail and craftsmanship in each individual piece. This picture is art unto itself. We provide full personalized service, including Lighting Design, Lighting Manufacturer, Custom Lighting, Custom Chandeliers, Multi-story Chandeliers, Multi-level Chandeliers, Glass Lighting, Pendant Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Residential Lighting, Blown Glass, Fused Glass, Bubble Glass Lighting, Bubble Chandeliers, Dining Room Lighting, Kitchen Pendants, Lighting Design Consultation. All chandeliers are hand crafted by our talented artists here in the USA. That’s right, all of our artists and craftsmen are here in the U.S. Each piece is a truly functional work of art. We like to think of it as art primarily, it just happens to be functional! It is true artistic creativity combined with engineering and architectural practicality. At Ethel A. Furman & Associates, the online gallery of GlassArt.net, you are the creator. We like to push the limits of light, color and texture, with our dramatic custom lighting and decor made from our exotic, fused & blown glass. As a lighting and glass manufacturer, Ethel A. Furman & Associates, the online gallery of GlassArt.net is as unique as the products we offer. We're small enough to provide an unparalleled level of service and craftsmanship. That said, we are large enough to handle residential and commercial jobs of any size. Not found everywhere, you can see our exotic materials displayed around the globe. Whether you have a vision or you're looking for one, or several, our artists can create something way beyond the expected. Let us create something exceptional for you. This is the chandelier in full of the previous closeup photo. We produced this vibrantly colored outdoor chandelier for a client's roofed patio area. Do not be deceived by the thin wires; we use taut, aircraft-strength cables that keep the chandelier stable in virtually any weather condition. Please again note the closeup photo of this chandelier, as it is exemplary of the world class quality we are so proud of in our glasswork. This totally fun sculpture was created for a client's wine cellar. Your vision is our direction. You are only restricted by the contents of your imagination. Lotus Rain Glass Sculpture Dimensions 36" high x 144" long x 38" wide All clear. Large and contemporary. "Crystal Clear Sphere." Classic grand style for a fraction of the price. Lovely cone spiraling. This client wished to have a tropical chandelier while also employing her favorite color: lavender. We played the opaque lavender horns with the transparent ruby and yellow, and green gourds for a wonderfully fun, tropical chandelier that also serve functions as the main dining room light. This is a closeup of an individual platter sconce. These can be used in a large group, like the previous picture, yet are equally elegant hanging alone. These are backlit, just like our chandeliers and other sconces, with ultra long-lasting, dimmable LEDs. Our glass art comes in any color and/or color combination imaginable, including purple, grey, clear, gold, silver, white, black, green, yellow, purple, taupe, turquoise, blue, baby blue, lavender, violet, red, and orange. Organic, perforated glass spheres with a lace-like texture. Made from our unique blown glass. Available as individual pendants or multi-pendant chandeliers. Multiple sizes and colors are available. Our modern Custom Glass Lighting perfect for your entryway, foyer, stairwell, living room, dining room, kitchen, and any room in your home. Our dramatic lighting that is fully customizable and tailored to fit your space perfectly. No two pieces are the same 72" high x 48" wide This eclectic and highly complex chandelier was designed to be reminiscent of a coral reef 96" high x 60" wide x 60" deep Absolutely humongous and stunning chandelier we produced for an javascript:;exceptionally large foyer. Appropriately dubbed "Autumn" because it reminds one of the leaves turning from green to red and slowly falling. We produced our spectacular "Summer Fire" chandelier for The Park at Fourteenth, an exclusive restaurant & nightclub in Washington D.C. This is one of 2 chandeliers we designed and produced for them. Like all of our chandeliers, these are internally lit with warm-colored, dimmable LED's, so the light lasts for many tens of thousands of hours and can be set to the exact brightness to fit any mood. We produced our spectacular "Summer Fire" chandelier for The Park at Fourteenth, an exclusive restaurant & nightclub in Washington D.C. This is one of 2 chandeliers we designed and produced for them. Like all of our chandeliers, these are internally lit with warm-colored, dimmable LED's, so the light lasts for many tens of thousands of hours and can be set to your exact specifications. We produced our spectacular "Miami Sunrise" chandelier for The Park at Fourteenth, an exclusive restaurant & nightclub in Washington D.C. This is one of 2 chandeliers we designed and produced for them. Like all of our chandeliers, these are internally lit with warm-colored, dimmable LED's, so the light lasts for many tens of thousands of hours and can be set to the exact brightness to fit any mood. We produced our spectacular "Summer Fire" chandelier for The Park at Fourteenth, an exclusive restaurant & nightclub in Washington D.C. This is one of 2 chandeliers we designed and produced for them. Like all of our chandeliers, these are internally lit with warm-colored, dimmable LED's, so the light lasts for many tens of thousands of hours and can be set to the exact brightness to fit any mood. Our blown glass chandeliers are made totally custom for your unique tastes and home. We work with you to not only capture the colors and style that fit your space perfectly, but also your unique desired “vibe.” Our client wished to add color to their sun room. This Deep Cobalt chandelier looks absolutely brilliant, as the outside sun and internal light of the chandelier converge in a kaleidoscope of blue. The glass dining room table and casual wooden chairs combined with the outside forestry make for a phenomenal combination. This custom blown glass art platter chandelier is made from our golden topaz sconce flowers. This style of chandelier is wonderful for modern contemporary homes, and matches the wooden floors, grey rug, and white ceilings. This custom blown glass art platter chandelier is made from our golden topaz sconce flowers. This style of chandelier is wonderful for modern contemporary homes, and matches the wooden floors, grey rug, and white ceilings. It looks stunning over this wooden kitchen island. Our custom-made glass lighting fixtures are perfect for your foyer, entryway, stairwell, living room, dining room, kitchen, or any room in your home. All of our chandeliers and custom blown glass lighting is fully customizable and tailored to fit your unique space. No two works are the same, each piece is custom made exactly for you. This is a totally unique, Elongated, all-clear Ribbon chandelier we produced for a client's dining room. This fits in with traditional decor but with a modern twist, It matches the wood flooring, oak table, and mahogany dresser, and the abundance of natural sunlight from large windows makes this custom lighting glass fixture sparkle. This is a totally unique, Elongated, all-clear Ribbon chandelier we produced for a client's dining room. This fits in with traditional decor but with a modern twist, It matches the wood flooring, oak table, and mahogany dresser, and the abundance of natural sunlight from large windows makes this custom lighting glass fixture sparkle. This floral custom dining room chandelier chandelier looks like an upside down flower pot miraculously suspended in mid-air. The reds in the chandelier match the red painted walls, while the yellows bring out the bamboo floors and light wood dining room table and dining room chairs. There is also plenty of natural sunlight from big sky windows. This home is traditional with a touch of contemporary in the furniture. For this particular client living in Malibu, we procured for them a chandelier to fit the ultra-contemporary decor of their interior, enhance their home's natural light, and compliment the sun-abundant environment in which they live. 48" high x 72" long x 48" wide Colors shown: Orange, Fire Red, Yellow This blown-glass garden sculpture is designed to uniquely enhance your outdoor space. Dimensions and colors fully customizable, and sculpture can be lit from within for a nighttime glowing effect. 48" high x 72" long x 48" wide Colors shown: Aqua Blue, Lime, Emerald Green, Violet This blown-glass garden sculpture is designed to uniquely enhance your outdoor space. Dimensions and colors fully customizable, and sculpture can be lit from within for a nighttime glowing. 48" high x 48" wide x 24" deep These Opal White sconces seem to work in any space, as their internal lights cast a soft, agreeable glow. This particular pair adds a subtle touch to a forest view, and softens the juxtaposition between inside and out. Just like our chandeliers, our sconces are internally lit with ultra long-lasting, dimmable LEDs. 50" high x 46" wide x 26" deep This is a honey, wood, and grey sconce we produced for a client to accentuate a warm, wooden, yet contemporary feel. Just like our chandeliers, our sconces are internally lit with ultra long-lasting, dimmable LEDs. 72" high x 60" wide x 24" deep This wall sconce is simply fun. Vibrant colors play with each other, yet match because they fall in the same color spectrum, as the client's sitting room is transformed into a display of modern art. Just like our chandeliers, our sconces are internally lit with ultra long-lasting, dimmable LEDs. We serve the entire United States and Canada. We service all 50 states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Florida, Miami, Coral Gables, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. In California, we specifically service Orange County, Los Angeles, LA County, and Malibu. Zip code 90210. In the Washington D.C. area, we specifically serve Alexandria, Arlington, Loudon, Bethesda, Upper Marlboro, Kalorama, and the Palisades. In Connecticut, we specifically serve Greenwich. Zip codes 22314 and 2203. Our custom made, blown glass chandeliers are functional glass art and can be customized for apartments, condos, a client’s foyer, living room, dining room, great room, family room, kitchen, kitchen island, even bathroom and bedroom. Our fully custom glass art chandeliers are all blown here in the United States of America. We customize them to go with all furnishings, including one’s mahogany dining room table, wood dining room table, contemporary dining room table, traditional dining room table, and modern dining room table. They also match one’s marble kitchen island, skylight, coffee table, custom wallpaper, other lighting fixtures, custom wall sconces, dining room chairs, marble countertops. They look phenomenal in large or small homes, and seaside villas. Ocean front properties are a speciality of ours as well. A closeup photo of the outdoor patio chandelier, displaying the incredible detail and craftsmanship in each individual piece. This picture is art unto itself. We provide full personalized service, including Lighting Design, Lighting Manufacturer, Custom Lighting, Custom Chandeliers, Multi-story Chandeliers, Multi-level Chandeliers, Glass Lighting, Pendant Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Residential Lighting, Blown Glass, Fused Glass, Bubble Glass Lighting, Bubble Chandeliers, Dining Room Lighting, Kitchen Pendants, Lighting Design Consultation. All chandeliers are hand crafted by our talented artists here in the USA. That’s right, all of our artists and craftsmen are here in the U.S. Each piece is a truly functional work of art. We like to think of it as art primarily, it just happens to be functional! It is true artistic creativity combined with engineering and architectural practicality. At Ethel A. Furman & Associates, the online gallery of GlassArt.net, you are the creator. We like to push the limits of light, color and texture, with our dramatic custom lighting and decor made from our exotic, fused & blown glass. As a lighting and glass manufacturer, Ethel A. Furman & Associates, the online gallery of GlassArt.net is as unique as the products we offer. We're small enough to provide an unparalleled level of service and craftsmanship. That said, we are large enough to handle residential and commercial jobs of any size. Not found everywhere, you can see our exotic materials displayed around the globe. Whether yo

Photography: Nanne Springer
Danish deck photo in Toronto with no cover

The Kelso's Porch is a stunning outdoor space designed for comfort and entertainment. It features a beautiful brick fireplace surround, creating a cozy atmosphere and a focal point for gatherings. Ceiling heaters are installed to ensure warmth during cooler days or evenings, allowing the porch to be enjoyed throughout the year. The porch is covered, providing protection from the elements and allowing for outdoor enjoyment even during inclement weather. An outdoor covered living space offers additional seating and lounging areas, perfect for relaxing or hosting guests. The porch is equipped with outdoor kitchen appliances, allowing for convenient outdoor cooking and entertaining. A round chandelier adds a touch of elegance and provides ambient lighting. Skylights bring in natural light and create an airy and bright atmosphere. The porch is furnished with comfortable wicker furniture, providing a cozy and stylish seating arrangement. The Kelso's Porch is a perfect retreat for enjoying the outdoors in comfort and style, whether it's for relaxing by the fireplace, cooking and dining al fresco, or simply enjoying the company of family and friends.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

5 beds, 5 ½ baths, and approximately 4,289 square feet. VISION House - Los Angeles '12 by Structure Home...a collaboration with Green Builder Media to build a new and sustainable showcase home, the first of its kind on the West Coast. This custom home demonstrated current products, materials and construction methods on the leading edge of sustainability, within communities throughout Los Angeles. This home was an inspired, collaborative architectural home by KAA architects & P2 Design. The interior was done by Jill Wolff Interior Design. Upon a courtyard approach, a peaceful setting envelopes you. Sun-filled master bedroom w/oil-rubbed Walnut floors; huge walk-in closet; unsurpassed Kohler master bathroom. Superb open kitchen w/state of the art Gaggenau appliances, is linked to family/dining areas, accented w/Porcelain tile floors, voluminous stained cedar ceilings, leading you thru fold away glass doors, to outdoor living room with fireplace & private yard. This home combines Contemporary design, CA Mission style lines & Traditional influence, providing living conditions of ease & comfort for your specific lifestyle. Achieved USGBC LEED Silver Certification, offering energy efficiency; sustainability; and advancements in technology. Photo by: Latham Architectural

Attractive living as an architectural experiment: a 136-year-old water tower, a listed building with a spectacular 360-degree panorama view over the City of London. The task, to transform it into a superior residence, initially seemed an absolute impossibility. But when the owners came across architect Mike Collier, they had found a partner who was to make the impossible possible. The tower, which had been empty for decades, underwent radical renovation work and was extended by a four-storey cube containing kitchen, dining and living room - connected by glazed tunnels and a lift shaft. The kitchen, realised by Enclosure Interiors in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with furniture from LEICHT is the very heart of living in this new building. Shiny white matt-lacquered kitchen fronts (AVANCE-LR), tone-on-tone with the worktops, reflect the light in the room and thus create expanse and openness. The surface of the handle-less kitchen fronts has a horizontal relief embossing; depending on the light incidence, this results in a vitally structured surface. The free-standing preparation isle with its vertical side panels with a seamlessly integrated sink represents the transition between kitchen and living room. The fronts of the floor units facing the dining table were extended to the floor to do away with the plinth typical of most kitchens. Ceiling-high tall units on the wall provide plenty of storage space; the electrical appliances are integrated here invisible to the eye. Floor units on a high plinth which thus appear to be floating form the actual cooking centre within the kitchen, attached to the wall. A range of handle-less wall units concludes the glazed niche at the top. LEICHT international: “Architecture and kitchen” in the centre of London. www.LeichtUSA.com

The homeowners sought to create a modest, modern, lakeside cottage, nestled into a narrow lot in Tonka Bay. The site inspired a modified shotgun-style floor plan, with rooms laid out in succession from front to back. Simple and authentic materials provide a soft and inviting palette for this modern home. Wood finishes in both warm and soft grey tones complement a combination of clean white walls, blue glass tiles, steel frames, and concrete surfaces. Sustainable strategies were incorporated to provide healthy living and a net-positive-energy-use home. Onsite geothermal, solar panels, battery storage, insulation systems, and triple-pane windows combine to provide independence from frequent power outages and supply excess power to the electrical grid. Photo by Corey Gaffer

The inviting nature of this Library/Living Room provides a warm space for family and guests to gather.
Example of a large country open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in San Francisco with white walls, a standard fireplace and a concrete fireplace

OVERVIEW Set into a mature Boston area neighborhood, this sophisticated 2900SF home offers efficient use of space, expression through form, and myriad of green features. MULTI-GENERATIONAL LIVING Designed to accommodate three family generations, paired living spaces on the first and second levels are architecturally expressed on the facade by window systems that wrap the front corners of the house. Included are two kitchens, two living areas, an office for two, and two master suites. CURB APPEAL The home includes both modern form and materials, using durable cedar and through-colored fiber cement siding, permeable parking with an electric charging station, and an acrylic overhang to shelter foot traffic from rain. FEATURE STAIR An open stair with resin treads and glass rails winds from the basement to the third floor, channeling natural light through all the home’s levels. LEVEL ONE The first floor kitchen opens to the living and dining space, offering a grand piano and wall of south facing glass. A master suite and private ‘home office for two’ complete the level. LEVEL TWO The second floor includes another open concept living, dining, and kitchen space, with kitchen sink views over the green roof. A full bath, bedroom and reading nook are perfect for the children. LEVEL THREE The third floor provides the second master suite, with separate sink and wardrobe area, plus a private roofdeck. ENERGY The super insulated home features air-tight construction, continuous exterior insulation, and triple-glazed windows. The walls and basement feature foam-free cavity & exterior insulation. On the rooftop, a solar electric system helps offset energy consumption. WATER Cisterns capture stormwater and connect to a drip irrigation system. Inside the home, consumption is limited with high efficiency fixtures and appliances. TEAM Architecture & Mechanical Design – ZeroEnergy Design Contractor – Aedi Construction Photos – Eric Roth Photography