Full gut renovation and facade restoration of an historic 1850s wood-frame townhouse. The current owners found the building as a decaying, vacant SRO (single room occupancy) dwelling with approximately 9 rooming units. The building has been converted to a two-family house with an owner’s triplex over a garden-level rental. Due to the fact that the very little of the existing structure was serviceable and the change of occupancy necessitated major layout changes, nC2 was able to propose an especially creative and unconventional design for the triplex. This design centers around a continuous 2-run stair which connects the main living space on the parlor level to a family room on the second floor and, finally, to a studio space on the third, thus linking all of the public and semi-public spaces with a single architectural element. This scheme is further enhanced through the use of a wood-slat screen wall which functions as a guardrail for the stair as well as a light-filtering element tying all of the floors together, as well its culmination in a 5’ x 25’ skylight.

The Main Stay House exists as a straightforward proposal on an urban infill lot, paring down the components of a house to a minimal amount of planes and openings. The scheme is anchored by a modern entry sequence and a staircase volume, both clad in iron spot masonry externally and internally, creating thresholds between the respective realms of public, common and private, by minimal means. The masonry contrasts with an otherwise muted interior atmosphere of smooth, desaturated surfaces. The entry sequence is a twist upon the conventional domestic front door, front facade, and fence. The front masonry wall replaces the typical residential fence and frames an indirect access to the front door, functioning as a privacy barrier while revealing slices of the interior to the public street. The staircase bifurcates the layout to provide a clear division between the common and private zones of the house, while clearly reading as a mass from all outside view. Brick and glass become portals between common and private zones. The design consolidates the service core along the west façade, allowing the structure to fully open the living zone to the pool court and existing trees. This directly connects interior and exterior, as well as human and nature. Freedom to vary the program or functional use of the area is enabled and strongly encouraged. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Full gut renovation and facade restoration of an historic 1850s wood-frame townhouse. The current owners found the building as a decaying, vacant SRO (single room occupancy) dwelling with approximately 9 rooming units. The building has been converted to a two-family house with an owner’s triplex over a garden-level rental. Due to the fact that the very little of the existing structure was serviceable and the change of occupancy necessitated major layout changes, nC2 was able to propose an especially creative and unconventional design for the triplex. This design centers around a continuous 2-run stair which connects the main living space on the parlor level to a family room on the second floor and, finally, to a studio space on the third, thus linking all of the public and semi-public spaces with a single architectural element. This scheme is further enhanced through the use of a wood-slat screen wall which functions as a guardrail for the stair as well as a light-filtering element tying all of the floors together, as well its culmination in a 5’ x 25’ skylight.

Full gut renovation and facade restoration of an historic 1850s wood-frame townhouse. The current owners found the building as a decaying, vacant SRO (single room occupancy) dwelling with approximately 9 rooming units. The building has been converted to a two-family house with an owner’s triplex over a garden-level rental. Due to the fact that the very little of the existing structure was serviceable and the change of occupancy necessitated major layout changes, nC2 was able to propose an especially creative and unconventional design for the triplex. This design centers around a continuous 2-run stair which connects the main living space on the parlor level to a family room on the second floor and, finally, to a studio space on the third, thus linking all of the public and semi-public spaces with a single architectural element. This scheme is further enhanced through the use of a wood-slat screen wall which functions as a guardrail for the stair as well as a light-filtering element tying all of the floors together, as well its culmination in a 5’ x 25’ skylight.

Full gut renovation and facade restoration of an historic 1850s wood-frame townhouse. The current owners found the building as a decaying, vacant SRO (single room occupancy) dwelling with approximately 9 rooming units. The building has been converted to a two-family house with an owner’s triplex over a garden-level rental. Due to the fact that the very little of the existing structure was serviceable and the change of occupancy necessitated major layout changes, nC2 was able to propose an especially creative and unconventional design for the triplex. This design centers around a continuous 2-run stair which connects the main living space on the parlor level to a family room on the second floor and, finally, to a studio space on the third, thus linking all of the public and semi-public spaces with a single architectural element. This scheme is further enhanced through the use of a wood-slat screen wall which functions as a guardrail for the stair as well as a light-filtering element tying all of the floors together, as well its culmination in a 5’ x 25’ skylight.

*Photo property of Pat N. / Plantique Inc. Living Orchids in clients unique containers. Plantique is the Premier Plantscape company based in Greenacres Fl since 1984, and is family owned & operated. We are an plantscape company, providing plantscape designs for high-end residences, public buildings, offices. We design interior plantsapes as well as exterior pool and patioscapes. Our maintenance contracts guarantee that the plants to look as good as the day we placed them 100% of the time. Our design service includes the latest trend in plantscaping, Living Walls and Moss Walls. Short term rentals for trees and plants are available for corporate events, meetings and all types of parties including weddings. Plantique, Inc. has been serving our customers since 1984, we are based in Lake Worth, our service area covers from Palm Beach County north to Vero Beach, Florida

*Photo property of Pat N. / Plantique Inc. Living Orchids in clients unique containers. Plantique is the Premier Plantscape company based in Greenacres Fl since 1984, and is family owned & operated. We are an plantscape company, providing plantscape designs for high-end residences, public buildings, offices. We design interior plantsapes as well as exterior pool and patioscapes. Our maintenance contracts guarantee that the plants to look as good as the day we placed them 100% of the time. Our design service includes the latest trend in plantscaping, Living Walls and Moss Walls. Short term rentals for trees and plants are available for corporate events, meetings and all types of parties including weddings. Plantique, Inc. has been serving our customers since 1984, we are based in Lake Worth, our service area covers from Palm Beach County north to Vero Beach, Florida

This Outdoor Living Space Display features various outdoor living services we provide. We featured water features, hardscapes, masonry, landscapes, outdoor audio, and landscape lighting. The main idea was to create a space where we could showcase our specialties for the public’s viewing pleasure. We encourage visitors to stop by and interact with this grand display. Night time viewing is also encouraged as the entire feature is lit up in the evening. In the future we plan to incorporate additional features to this project. At some point we hope to add an outdoor kitchen area as well as a fire-place. Upon entering the property, first thing to catch your eye is a fairly large-scale water feature. The water feature consist of an ecosystem pond. The water starts to flow from a spillway bowl fountain. The spillway pours into the bog filter. The water then flows down various cascading waterfalls. The waterfalls and pond were constructed out of 2 different types of boulders. We did this to show various options available. There is a gigantic boulder fountain that is incorporated into the pond as well. There is a skimmer in the pond the show functionality. The pond then flows over a zero edge waterfall into a large basin. Atop the basin is 3 fountains. 2 bubbling urn fountains as well as fire bowl fountain. The patio area incorporates different styles and colors of pavers. Along with different styles of boarders. There is 2 seating walls on either side of the patio area. Each seating wall has a mixture of stone and brick veneer and topped with flagstone caps. There is a very unique shed next to the patio area. Surrounding the patio are we installed an outdoor audio system as well. This system cranks out some serious sound. Stop by and have a listen! The entire project area is outfitted with landscape lighting. We incorporated up-lights, wall lights, path lights, and a couple of spot lights. The entire water feature also has underwater lighting installed. Landscaping was installed around the project to finished it off. If you’re in the Lancaster area be sure to stop by and check it out!!! Visitors are always welcome.

This Outdoor Living Space Display features various outdoor living services we provide. We featured water features, hardscapes, masonry, landscapes, outdoor audio, and landscape lighting. The main idea was to create a space where we could showcase our specialties for the public’s viewing pleasure. We encourage visitors to stop by and interact with this grand display. Night time viewing is also encouraged as the entire feature is lit up in the evening. In the future we plan to incorporate additional features to this project. At some point we hope to add an outdoor kitchen area as well as a fire-place. Upon entering the property, first thing to catch your eye is a fairly large-scale water feature. The water feature consist of an ecosystem pond. The water starts to flow from a spillway bowl fountain. The spillway pours into the bog filter. The water then flows down various cascading waterfalls. The waterfalls and pond were constructed out of 2 different types of boulders. We did this to show various options available. There is a gigantic boulder fountain that is incorporated into the pond as well. There is a skimmer in the pond the show functionality. The pond then flows over a zero edge waterfall into a large basin. Atop the basin is 3 fountains. 2 bubbling urn fountains as well as fire bowl fountain. The patio area incorporates different styles and colors of pavers. Along with different styles of boarders. There is 2 seating walls on either side of the patio area. Each seating wall has a mixture of stone and brick veneer and topped with flagstone caps. There is a very unique shed next to the patio area. Surrounding the patio are we installed an outdoor audio system as well. This system cranks out some serious sound. Stop by and have a listen! The entire project area is outfitted with landscape lighting. We incorporated up-lights, wall lights, path lights, and a couple of spot lights. The entire water feature also has underwater lighting installed. Landscaping was installed around the project to finished it off. If you’re in the Lancaster area be sure to stop by and check it out!!! Visitors are always welcome.

The Main Stay House exists as a straightforward proposal on an urban infill lot, paring down the components of a house to a minimal amount of planes and openings. The scheme is anchored by a modern entry sequence and a staircase volume, both clad in iron spot masonry externally and internally, creating thresholds between the respective realms of public, common and private, by minimal means. The masonry contrasts with an otherwise muted interior atmosphere of smooth, desaturated surfaces. The entry sequence is a twist upon the conventional domestic front door, front facade, and fence. The front masonry wall replaces the typical residential fence and frames an indirect access to the front door, functioning as a privacy barrier while revealing slices of the interior to the public street. The staircase bifurcates the layout to provide a clear division between the common and private zones of the house, while clearly reading as a mass from all outside view. Brick and glass become portals between common and private zones. The design consolidates the service core along the west façade, allowing the structure to fully open the living zone to the pool court and existing trees. This directly connects interior and exterior, as well as human and nature. Freedom to vary the program or functional use of the area is enabled and strongly encouraged. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Full gut renovation and facade restoration of an historic 1850s wood-frame townhouse. The current owners found the building as a decaying, vacant SRO (single room occupancy) dwelling with approximately 9 rooming units. The building has been converted to a two-family house with an owner’s triplex over a garden-level rental. Due to the fact that the very little of the existing structure was serviceable and the change of occupancy necessitated major layout changes, nC2 was able to propose an especially creative and unconventional design for the triplex. This design centers around a continuous 2-run stair which connects the main living space on the parlor level to a family room on the second floor and, finally, to a studio space on the third, thus linking all of the public and semi-public spaces with a single architectural element. This scheme is further enhanced through the use of a wood-slat screen wall which functions as a guardrail for the stair as well as a light-filtering element tying all of the floors together, as well its culmination in a 5’ x 25’ skylight.

The Main Stay House exists as a straightforward proposal on an urban infill lot, paring down the components of a house to a minimal amount of planes and openings. The scheme is anchored by a modern entry sequence and a staircase volume, both clad in iron spot masonry externally and internally, creating thresholds between the respective realms of public, common and private, by minimal means. The masonry contrasts with an otherwise muted interior atmosphere of smooth, desaturated surfaces. The entry sequence is a twist upon the conventional domestic front door, front facade, and fence. The front masonry wall replaces the typical residential fence and frames an indirect access to the front door, functioning as a privacy barrier while revealing slices of the interior to the public street. The staircase bifurcates the layout to provide a clear division between the common and private zones of the house, while clearly reading as a mass from all outside view. Brick and glass become portals between common and private zones. The design consolidates the service core along the west façade, allowing the structure to fully open the living zone to the pool court and existing trees. This directly connects interior and exterior, as well as human and nature. Freedom to vary the program or functional use of the area is enabled and strongly encouraged. Photography: Matt Fajkus

LEED certification level: Platinum. Builder: GCCM Construction Services LLC dba UberGreen Spaces & Homes. Mark Twain said it best, "If the world were to end today I'd move to Kentucky because they are 20 years behind everyone else." There is some truth to that because Kentuckians believe that 'if it aint broke dont fix it'. We designed and built Kentucky's first LEED Platinum Net Zero Energy Net Zero Water home in the private sector. We named the home 'My Green Kentucky Home' playing off the state song 'My Old Kentucky Home'. Our take on a home should have people and the planet in mind. We found LEED to be the best most credible third-party green certification program to address these important challenges today. The envelope of the home was designed to minimize energy losses and maximize inside comfort by using Insulated Concrete Form walls from the footers to the roof, spray foam and blown in cellulose in the attic, rigid foam beneath the Lower Level basement slab and triple-pane fully insulated casement windows. The home was oriented with the back facing south to maximize daylighting, passive heating in the winter and solar production. Our HVAC is geothermal with a storage tank to preheat domestic water. A fresh air system was installed in the return side of the HVAC system to filter and then mix with supply air to the home. All paints were zero VOC. The reclaimed KY horse farm fencing turned into beautiful hardwood floors was finished with a low VOC sealer. Carpets were low VOC and the 100% recycled padding was zero VOC. The custom cabinets for the kitchen and baths were made locally and built with FSC certified plywood with no added formaldehyde. The home collects 100% of the rainwater that hits the roof into a 3,300 gallon rainwater collection tank. The primary use of the collected water is to irrigate the lawns, landscaped beds and supply the hose bibs. When the tank is low it automatically shuts the tank valve and opens the city water valve to operate with city water pressure until the tank fills past a certain level, saving electricity and wear and tear on the pump. The cistern is designed to service all the homes domestic water needs when KY State Plumbing code will allow it in the future. All appliances are Energy Star and locally made by GE. The counter tops on all cabinets are recycled materials and durable without requiring sealers or maintenance. We went a step further for indoor air quality and installed AirRenew drywall by Certainteed which works like trees do in the environment by pulling in VOC's into the drywall and making it inert. The Florida Tile was made in Kentucky with recycled content. We monitor all utility usage per electrical circuit and monitor the amount of energy produced by the solar panels as well helping the owners make more informed decisions. The home was such a hit that it was the catalyst that sparked development in a dormant neighborhood of vacant lots. We had the home open for three months to the public where hundreds of folks toured it as it was laid out like an art museum. We had actual walls open all the way to the outside layer of ICF insulation where they saw the concrete and steel inside the walls. We also had the lower level basement slab cut open to show how we insulate beneath the concrete and how we drain and mitigate radon. It was a super inspirational project that made people think about people and the planet much differently than before. We hope to continue making great projects like these to help inspire, educate and create awareness around some of the most important topics and challenges we face today. Thank you to everyone at the USGBC for helping us make this happen and the great work you do every day!

Full gut renovation and facade restoration of an historic 1850s wood-frame townhouse. The current owners found the building as a decaying, vacant SRO (single room occupancy) dwelling with approximately 9 rooming units. The building has been converted to a two-family house with an owner’s triplex over a garden-level rental. Due to the fact that the very little of the existing structure was serviceable and the change of occupancy necessitated major layout changes, nC2 was able to propose an especially creative and unconventional design for the triplex. This design centers around a continuous 2-run stair which connects the main living space on the parlor level to a family room on the second floor and, finally, to a studio space on the third, thus linking all of the public and semi-public spaces with a single architectural element. This scheme is further enhanced through the use of a wood-slat screen wall which functions as a guardrail for the stair as well as a light-filtering element tying all of the floors together, as well its culmination in a 5’ x 25’ skylight.

*Photo property of Pat N. / Plantique Inc. Plantique is the Premier Plantscape company based in Greenacres Fl since 1984, and is family owned & operated. We are an plantscape company, providing plantscape designs for high-end residences, public buildings, offices. We design interior plantsapes as well as exterior pool and patioscapes. Our maintenance contracts guarantee that the plants to look as good as the day we placed them 100% of the time. Our design service includes the latest trend in plantscaping, Living Walls and Moss Walls. Short term rentals for trees and plants are available for corporate events, meetings and all types of parties including weddings. Plantique, Inc. has been serving our customers since 1984, we are based in Lake Worth, our service area covers from Palm Beach County north to Vero Beach, Florida

Headwaters Park Public Event Space. Highlight The combination of Hebel (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) walls, an exposed structural steel roof system, and bespoke craftsmanship makes for a very interesting building. The individual spaces within the structure are striking in themselves, but we think the integration of form and function in the building as a whole makes it a unique and successful project. Detail This building serves as the main event and meeting space in Headwaters Park, which is just outside Lewisburg WV and is a project of the WV nonprofit Appalachian Headwaters. The main building is an 8500 sq ft single level structure with an expansive exterior flagstone patio. We designed and constructed the building, and also built the hardscape and water feature. Allegheny Design Services from Morgantown WV performed the structural engineering and we worked with Cole Burrell of Charlottesville VA for the landscaping design. The interior of the building contains quite a few interesting features and spaces. The main event space is about 3000 sq ft, and is connected to a commercial kitchen. Custom copper light fixtures were built by Molly Must, a local artist. There are also custom wooden light fixtures in the hallways and conference room, built by local woodworker Ryan Brady. We built wooden sound dampening panels to improve acoustic quality in a few of the large rooms. The building is heated with an in slab hydronic radiant system powered by a geothermal heat pump. In-floor radiant is one of the most comfortable ways to heat a building and when combined with a geothermal heat pump, is highly efficient. The building is also designed for passive solar heat gain in the wintertime, with large south facing windows. We added awnings on the south and west sides of the building to prevent overheating from the sun in the summer. A 90 kW rooftop PV solar system will provide most of the electricity consumed by the building, if not all of it. We’re hoping that the project ends up being net zero or better - we’ll know after a full year of electric bills. It’s a grid tied system, so any excess electricity produced will be sent into the grid. The building is fully electric - HVAC, water heating, and the commercial kitchen are all propane/natural gas free. For more information about Appalachian Headwaters and Headwaters Park, please visit their website at: https://appheadwaters.org

The Main Stay House exists as a straightforward proposal on an urban infill lot, paring down the components of a house to a minimal amount of planes and openings. The scheme is anchored by a modern entry sequence and a staircase volume, both clad in iron spot masonry externally and internally, creating thresholds between the respective realms of public, common and private, by minimal means. The masonry contrasts with an otherwise muted interior atmosphere of smooth, desaturated surfaces. The entry sequence is a twist upon the conventional domestic front door, front facade, and fence. The front masonry wall replaces the typical residential fence and frames an indirect access to the front door, functioning as a privacy barrier while revealing slices of the interior to the public street. The staircase bifurcates the layout to provide a clear division between the common and private zones of the house, while clearly reading as a mass from all outside view. Brick and glass become portals between common and private zones. The design consolidates the service core along the west façade, allowing the structure to fully open the living zone to the pool court and existing trees. This directly connects interior and exterior, as well as human and nature. Freedom to vary the program or functional use of the area is enabled and strongly encouraged. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

A classic pre-depression residence in the heart of Montreal is updated by removing the servants quarters and a redundant service stair to create a stunning contemporary interior to showcase the clients artwork and focus on family. David Giral Photography