Our client wanted a SIP built home and we incorporated this and many other energy and sustainability features into this home which was in the Sheboygan County Parade of Homes. Named "The Green Balanced Home", this project was all about creating practical and stunning living spaces that combined with sound environmental building materials and methods. By showcasing an assortment of leading-edge- green technologies, the Green Balanced Home was the talk of the Parade that year. In cooperation with our client, our methodology was: Start with the site: 1. Protected tree lines 2. Drought resistant vegetation 3. High proportion of natural, plantings versus higher maintenance lawn 4. Optimal home placement on lot for solar exposure 5. Narrower streets Build a high thermal envelope: 1. R-10 Gold Guard laminated EPS foam under basement, garage, and patio. 2. R-10 Gold Guard laminated EPS foam around exterior foundation walls. 3. R-10 ESP foam "shirt" around foundation 4. R-24 Structural Insulated panels (SIPs) for exterior walls, including garage 5. Sprayed foam in basement box sills and attic separation walls 6. R-15 garage door 7. R-60 blown cellulose attic insulation Add efficient heating, cooling, ventilation, and electric utilization elements: 1. High efficiency fireplace with auxiliary ducting 2. Pull-out exterior wood-loading drawer 3. Air-to-air heat pump 4. 95% efficient, ultra-quiet variable capacity furnace 5. 19 SEER air conditioner 6. Five zones with programmable thermostats 7. Heat reclamation from hot water usage 8. LED lighting 9. Skylights 10. Energy Star appliances 11. Prep for in-floor heating system 12. Prep for photovoltaic (PV) solar 13. Prep for solar hot water Incorporate water conservation: 1. Rain water recapture for toilet flushing and irrigation 2. Motion activated hot water circulation system 3. Power flush toilets 4. Dual flush toilets Create high indoor air quality: 1. HEPA and UV filters 2. Air-to-air exchanger 3. Ultra-quiet bathroom fans with moisture sensor activation Integrate sustainable, efficient materials: * Expanded polystyrene (ESP) foam that does not emit HCFC "greenhouse" gases * Oriented strand board (OSB) based siding, trim, and shutters * SIPs panels that contain ESP an OSB * Carpeting pads made from recycled materials * Stewardship-certified cabinet manufacturing * Job site recycling and reduce waste with SIPs

The engineered quartz waterfall countertop on the oversized island serves as the focal point of the open-concept kitchen. Sleek cabinetry, loads of white and cool gray tones create a minimalist feel, while the wide-plank floors bring some warmth to the space. With ReAlta, we are introducing for the first time in Charlotte a fully solar community. Each beautifully detailed home will incorporate low profile solar panels that will collect the sun’s rays to significantly offset the home’s energy usage. Combined with our industry-leading Home Efficiency Ratings (HERS), these solar systems will save a ReAlta homeowner thousands over the life of the home. Credit: Brendan Kahm

Example of a minimalist staircase design in St Louis

This spacious modern kitchen boasts an oversized island with engineered quartz counters. A neutral color palette and two-toned cabinets and copper fixtures makes this kitchen warm and inviting. With ReAlta, we are introducing for the first time in Charlotte a fully solar community. Each beautifully detailed home will incorporate low profile solar panels that will collect the sun’s rays to significantly offset the home’s energy usage. Combined with our industry-leading Home Efficiency Ratings (HERS), these solar systems will save a ReAlta homeowner thousands over the life of the home. Credit: Brendan Kahm

Minimalist staircase photo in St Louis

This rather large family room remodeling project was done with a wide plank laminate floor. This product is made by KronoSwiss and this is from their Grand Oak Collection. It's a wide plank 12MM thick oak visual with an AC5 rating (very durable) with a very authentic look. Many have confused this laminate product with a real wide plank oak floor.

The multi-use island is a modern twist on the eat-in kitchen. The casual dining table is a seamless extension of the kitchen and its location means the island always remains open for prep and food serving. The U-shape provides ample storage and an oversized casement window provides the focal point to the room. With ReAlta, we are introducing for the first time in Charlotte a fully solar community. Each beautifully detailed home will incorporate low profile solar panels that will collect the sun’s rays to significantly offset the home’s energy usage. Combined with our industry-leading Home Efficiency Ratings (HERS), these solar systems will save a ReAlta homeowner thousands over the life of the home. Credit: Brendan Kahm

The open-concept plan is punctuated by oversized casement windows that surround the back wall of the living room. The dark fireplace creates a focal point for the room and is accented with a modern floating mantle. With ReAlta, we are introducing for the first time in Charlotte a fully solar community. Each beautifully detailed home will incorporate low profile solar panels that will collect the sun’s rays to significantly offset the home’s energy usage. Combined with our industry-leading Home Efficiency Ratings (HERS), these solar systems will save a ReAlta homeowner thousands over the life of the home. Credit: Brendan Kahm

FairOaks Century Oak Laminate | This FairOaks Century Oak Laminate is 12mm and has a lifetime residential warranty. The AC rating of laminate flooring measures its durability, on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most durable. This product has an AC rating of 3, meaning it is suitable for general home use or use in commercial buildings with light foot traffic. Looking for the warmth and beauty of hardwood flooring at an affordable price? Then laminate is a great choice. Laminate floors are durable and scratch-resistant, making them ideal for high traffic areas. You'll find laminate in an array of styles and colors. Laminate installs easily and requires little maintenance.

72-Hour Water-Resistance Dimensions: 7.5” wide x 48” length x 8mm thick + 2mm Attached Pad Finish: Wear Surface Rating: AC3, Embossed-in-Register Profile: 4-Sided Micro Bevel, Waxed Edges Recommended Cleaner: Wet-Mop Approved

Inspiration for a modern bathroom remodel in St Louis

Tarkett Cotillion Tupelo Oak Honey 8mm Laminate Flooring Each Plank Measures 47 5/8" Long - 8 1/16" Wide - 8mm Thick AC3 Rated - Great For Active Families CARB 2 Compliant - FloorScore Certified 25 Year Warranty Easy Click Together Installation - Install on Any level of Your Home Sold by the square foot Ships immediately right to your home! Floors To Your Home

72-Hour Water-Resistance Dimensions: 5” wide x 48” length x 8mm thick + 2mm Attached Pad Finish: Wear Surface Rating: AC3, Embossed-in-Register Profile: 4-Sided Micro Bevel, Waxed Edges Recommended Cleaner: Wet-Mop Approved

Supreme Click American Heritage Series 10mm Spring Mountain Random Width Laminate Flooring Ships immediately right to your home! Free Shipping - Minimum 25 Carton Purchase. Pro-Rated Shipping on Smaller Orders CARB 2 Compliant - Premium Attached Pad With Foil Moisture Barrier Lifetime Residential Warranty - 5 Year Commercial Warranty Floors To Your Home

This rather large family room remodeling project was done with a wide plank laminate floor. This product is made by KronoSwiss and this is from their Grand Oak Collection. It's a wide plank 12MM thick oak visual with an AC5 rating (very durable) with a very authentic look. Many have confused this laminate product with a real wide plank oak floor.

Our client wanted a SIP built home and we incorporated this and many other energy and sustainability features into this home which was in the Sheboygan County Parade of Homes. Named "The Green Balanced Home", this project was all about creating practical and stunning living spaces that combined with sound environmental building materials and methods. By showcasing an assortment of leading-edge- green technologies, the Green Balanced Home was the talk of the Parade that year. In cooperation with our client, our methodology was: Start with the site: 1. Protected tree lines 2. Drought resistant vegetation 3. High proportion of natural, plantings versus higher maintenance lawn 4. Optimal home placement on lot for solar exposure 5. Narrower streets Build a high thermal envelope: 1. R-10 Gold Guard laminated EPS foam under basement, garage, and patio. 2. R-10 Gold Guard laminated EPS foam around exterior foundation walls. 3. R-10 ESP foam "shirt" around foundation 4. R-24 Structural Insulated panels (SIPs) for exterior walls, including garage 5. Sprayed foam in basement box sills and attic separation walls 6. R-15 garage door 7. R-60 blown cellulose attic insulation Add efficient heating, cooling, ventilation, and electric utilization elements: 1. High efficiency fireplace with auxiliary ducting 2. Pull-out exterior wood-loading drawer 3. Air-to-air heat pump 4. 95% efficient, ultra-quiet variable capacity furnace 5. 19 SEER air conditioner 6. Five zones with programmable thermostats 7. Heat reclamation from hot water usage 8. LED lighting 9. Skylights 10. Energy Star appliances 11. Prep for in-floor heating system 12. Prep for photovoltaic (PV) solar 13. Prep for solar hot water Incorporate water conservation: 1. Rain water recapture for toilet flushing and irrigation 2. Motion activated hot water circulation system 3. Power flush toilets 4. Dual flush toilets Create high indoor air quality: 1. HEPA and UV filters 2. Air-to-air exchanger 3. Ultra-quiet bathroom fans with moisture sensor activation Integrate sustainable, efficient materials: * Expanded polystyrene (ESP) foam that does not emit HCFC "greenhouse" gases * Oriented strand board (OSB) based siding, trim, and shutters * SIPs panels that contain ESP an OSB * Carpeting pads made from recycled materials * Stewardship-certified cabinet manufacturing * Job site recycling and reduce waste with SIPs

Spanish Mahogany Laminate | This 12mm Spanish Mahogany Laminate has a 25 year residential/ 2 year commercial warranty. The AC rating of laminate flooring measures its durability, on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most durable. This product has an AC rating of 3, meaning it is suitable for general home use or use in commercial buildings with light foot traffic. Looking for the warmth and beauty of hardwood flooring at an affordable price? Then laminate is a great choice. Laminate floors are durable and scratch-resistant, making them ideal for high traffic areas. You'll find laminate in an array of styles and colors. Laminate installs easily and requires little maintenance.

Bringing this condo’s full potential out with modernization and practicality took creativity and thoughtfulness. In this full remodel we chose matching quartz countertops in a style that replicates concrete, throughout for continuity. Beginning in the kitchen we changed the layout and floorplan for a more spacious, open concept. White shaker cabinets with custom soffits to fit the cabinetry seamlessly. Continuing the concrete looking countertops up, utilizing the same quarts material for simplicity and practicality in the smaller space. A white unequal quartz sink, with a brushed nickel faucet matching the brushed nickel cabinet hardware. Brand new custom lighting design, and a built-in wine fridge into the peninsula, finish off this kitchen renovation. A quick update of the fireplace and television nook area to update its features to blend in with the new kitchen. Moving on to the bathrooms, white shaker cabinets, matching concrete look quarts countertops, and the bushed nickel plumbing fixtures and hardware were used throughout to match the kitchen’s update, all for continuity and cost efficiency for the client. Custom beveled glass mirrors top off the vanities in the bathrooms. In both the master and guest bathrooms we used a commercially rated 12”x24” porcelain tile to mimic vein cut travertine. Choosing to place it in a stagger set pattern up to the ceiling brings a modern feel to a classic look. Adding a 4” glass and natural slate mosaic accent band for design, and acrylic grout used for easy maintenance. A single niche was built into the guest bath, while a double niche was inset into the master bath’s shower. Also in the master bath, a bench seat and foot rest were added, along with a brushed nickel grab bar for ease of maneuvering and personal care. Seamlessly bringing the rooms together from the complete downstairs area, up through the stairwell, hallways and bathrooms, a waterproof laminate with a wood texture and coloring was used to both warm up the feel of the house, and help the transitional flow between spaces.

The multi-use island is a modern twist on the eat-in kitchen. The casual dining table is a seamless extension of the kitchen and its location means the island always remains open for prep and food serving. The U-shape provides ample storage and an oversized casement window provides the focal point to the room. With ReAlta, we are introducing for the first time in Charlotte a fully solar community. Each beautifully detailed home will incorporate low profile solar panels that will collect the sun’s rays to significantly offset the home’s energy usage. Combined with our industry-leading Home Efficiency Ratings (HERS), these solar systems will save a ReAlta homeowner thousands over the life of the home. Credit: Brendan Kahm