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

Contemporary townhouse centrally situated on one of Hoboken’s finest blocks. Meticulously renovated 2 years ago, this circa 1889 brick row house has been thoughtfully designed for today’s urban family. Currently configured as a 2 family home, the owner’s triplex features 3 bedrooms, den and 2½ bathrooms. Keeping future expansion in mind, the oversized 1 bedroom garden apartment can easily be recaptured to integrate with the main residence for a total of 3,000+ square feet of living space across 4 floors. The bright open parlor level features contemporary clean lines, working gas fireplace, half bath and a designer Scavolini kitchen with a Wolf and SubZero appliance suite, waterfall island and LaCantina doors opening the rear of the home to a stunning Ipe deck and private yard below – perfect for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining. The second floor master suite features a step out balcony, large walk in closet and stunning bath with dual vanity, free standing soaking tub and steam shower. Completing the 2nd level is the den with working gas fireplace – perfect for a home office, nursery or fourth bedroom. The top floor features 2 bedrooms, a central family/playroom and bath. New EPDM rubber roof, Marvin windows, hardwood floors, central HVAC system and pre-wiring for sound and cable. Centrally located near NYC transportation, parks, schools and dining/nightlife. Sophisticated urban living at its best!

Contemporary townhouse centrally situated on one of Hoboken’s finest blocks. Meticulously renovated 2 years ago, this circa 1889 brick row house has been thoughtfully designed for today’s urban family. Currently configured as a 2 family home, the owner’s triplex features 3 bedrooms, den and 2½ bathrooms. Keeping future expansion in mind, the oversized 1 bedroom garden apartment can easily be recaptured to integrate with the main residence for a total of 3,000+ square feet of living space across 4 floors. The bright open parlor level features contemporary clean lines, working gas fireplace, half bath and a designer Scavolini kitchen with a Wolf and SubZero appliance suite, waterfall island and LaCantina doors opening the rear of the home to a stunning Ipe deck and private yard below – perfect for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining. The second floor master suite features a step out balcony, large walk in closet and stunning bath with dual vanity, free standing soaking tub and steam shower. Completing the 2nd level is the den with working gas fireplace – perfect for a home office, nursery or fourth bedroom. The top floor features 2 bedrooms, a central family/playroom and bath. New EPDM rubber roof, Marvin windows, hardwood floors, central HVAC system and pre-wiring for sound and cable. Centrally located near NYC transportation, parks, schools and dining/nightlife. Sophisticated urban living at its best!

Time recaptured | The Belle Époque – the exciting era in the early 20th century that witnessed not only the birth of the Hansgrohe company but also an explosion of European art and culture. An era caught between the romance of rustic spas and the industrial revolution. An era that inspired this Axor bathroom collection: Axor Montreux. Authentic in the smallest detail, the Axor Montreux collection enhances every traditional ambiance – and turns the daily visit to the bathroom into a true journey through time. Due to clear, geometric shapes Axor Montreux not only meshes within a pure traditional ambiance, but also within a mixtures of styles. | Available at www.shopstudio41.com

The goal of this project was to restore this beautiful Dundee home’s main bath to its traditional charm. It was remodeled and updated in the 70s to accommodate a growing family. The now empty nesters had a dream to recapture the homes traditional feel and enjoy all of today’s finishes and amenities. Reworking the space allowed us to remove a doorway and create the feeling of a larger space without changing the footprint of the room. Classic finishes were selected in the claw foot soaker tub, tumbled marble flooring, black granite countertops and the addition of wainscot pull this bathroom back to its original roots. The details throughout this gem; like those found the Carrera Marble framed mirror, chrome fixtures, the crystal chandelier, and crystal knobs add the sparkle to the space. Crisp whites and beautiful grays are the backdrop to the bathrooms fixtures and cabinets. The tub fixture is not only beautiful but functional as well. It allows the homeowner the spray handheld in a space that does not allow for a traditional shower. The water closet was given extra storage with a custom cabinet over the new comfort height stool. Pre-finished stock cabinets with counter tops kept the project in budget without compromising design or function.

Contemporary townhouse centrally situated on one of Hoboken’s finest blocks. Meticulously renovated 2 years ago, this circa 1889 brick row house has been thoughtfully designed for today’s urban family. Currently configured as a 2 family home, the owner’s triplex features 3 bedrooms, den and 2½ bathrooms. Keeping future expansion in mind, the oversized 1 bedroom garden apartment can easily be recaptured to integrate with the main residence for a total of 3,000+ square feet of living space across 4 floors. The bright open parlor level features contemporary clean lines, working gas fireplace, half bath and a designer Scavolini kitchen with a Wolf and SubZero appliance suite, waterfall island and LaCantina doors opening the rear of the home to a stunning Ipe deck and private yard below – perfect for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining. The second floor master suite features a step out balcony, large walk in closet and stunning bath with dual vanity, free standing soaking tub and steam shower. Completing the 2nd level is the den with working gas fireplace – perfect for a home office, nursery or fourth bedroom. The top floor features 2 bedrooms, a central family/playroom and bath. New EPDM rubber roof, Marvin windows, hardwood floors, central HVAC system and pre-wiring for sound and cable. Centrally located near NYC transportation, parks, schools and dining/nightlife. Sophisticated urban living at its best!

The classic styling of the original home was recaptured and modernized with a new open floor plan, and additional conveniences like a butler pantry for entertaining. Interiors by Mara Raphael; Photos by Tessa Neustadt

Contemporary townhouse centrally situated on one of Hoboken’s finest blocks. Meticulously renovated 2 years ago, this circa 1889 brick row house has been thoughtfully designed for today’s urban family. Currently configured as a 2 family home, the owner’s triplex features 3 bedrooms, den and 2½ bathrooms. Keeping future expansion in mind, the oversized 1 bedroom garden apartment can easily be recaptured to integrate with the main residence for a total of 3,000+ square feet of living space across 4 floors. The bright open parlor level features contemporary clean lines, working gas fireplace, half bath and a designer Scavolini kitchen with a Wolf and SubZero appliance suite, waterfall island and LaCantina doors opening the rear of the home to a stunning Ipe deck and private yard below – perfect for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining. The second floor master suite features a step out balcony, large walk in closet and stunning bath with dual vanity, free standing soaking tub and steam shower. Completing the 2nd level is the den with working gas fireplace – perfect for a home office, nursery or fourth bedroom. The top floor features 2 bedrooms, a central family/playroom and bath. New EPDM rubber roof, Marvin windows, hardwood floors, central HVAC system and pre-wiring for sound and cable. Centrally located near NYC transportation, parks, schools and dining/nightlife. Sophisticated urban living at its best!

Priestess is one of Damien Jones' few figurative forms. This piece stands 6.5ft high and is mounted to the standard 2ft x 2ft basalt slab base stone which also seals the bottom of the piece creating an interior reservoir for the water. This divine feminine water feature channels water up to the top of her 'hands', which then cascades over the entire form until it is recaptured through perforations into its internal reservoir in her 'legs'. Photo by: Damien Jones

This soothing bathroom features a custom textured and hand painted door featuring Japanese River Ladies. The linen closet was removed from the hall, giving the homeowners a wonderful wall for an oversized painting. It was recaptured in the adjacent bedroom with the end of that closet opening here. This cabinet houses linens, towels, paper supplies and so much more. The door has moved with the owners twice, and the décor of each new room reflects the mood and feeling of the panel, while offering up a new look.

Andrew Kist A 750 square foot top floor apartment is transformed from a cramped and musty two bedroom into a sun-drenched aerie with a second floor home office recaptured from an old storage loft. Multiple skylights and a large picture window allow light to fill the space altering the feeling throughout the days and seasons. Views of New York Harbor, previously ignored, are now a daily event. Featured in the Fall 2016 issue of Domino, and on Refinery 29.

We opened up the wall between the kitchen and dining room, and recaptured another door that made better use of the space. The chimney associated with the living room fireplace intruded on the kitchen space, refrigerator location is a challenge.

Contemporary townhouse centrally situated on one of Hoboken’s finest blocks. Meticulously renovated 2 years ago, this circa 1889 brick row house has been thoughtfully designed for today’s urban family. Currently configured as a 2 family home, the owner’s triplex features 3 bedrooms, den and 2½ bathrooms. Keeping future expansion in mind, the oversized 1 bedroom garden apartment can easily be recaptured to integrate with the main residence for a total of 3,000+ square feet of living space across 4 floors. The bright open parlor level features contemporary clean lines, working gas fireplace, half bath and a designer Scavolini kitchen with a Wolf and SubZero appliance suite, waterfall island and LaCantina doors opening the rear of the home to a stunning Ipe deck and private yard below – perfect for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining. The second floor master suite features a step out balcony, large walk in closet and stunning bath with dual vanity, free standing soaking tub and steam shower. Completing the 2nd level is the den with working gas fireplace – perfect for a home office, nursery or fourth bedroom. The top floor features 2 bedrooms, a central family/playroom and bath. New EPDM rubber roof, Marvin windows, hardwood floors, central HVAC system and pre-wiring for sound and cable. Centrally located near NYC transportation, parks, schools and dining/nightlife. Sophisticated urban living at its best!

Retaining wall to recapture previously unusable sloped back yard. Design & photo by Mark Dunaway.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard concrete paver retaining wall landscape in Orlando.

Contemporary townhouse centrally situated on one of Hoboken’s finest blocks. Meticulously renovated 2 years ago, this circa 1889 brick row house has been thoughtfully designed for today’s urban family. Currently configured as a 2 family home, the owner’s triplex features 3 bedrooms, den and 2½ bathrooms. Keeping future expansion in mind, the oversized 1 bedroom garden apartment can easily be recaptured to integrate with the main residence for a total of 3,000+ square feet of living space across 4 floors. The bright open parlor level features contemporary clean lines, working gas fireplace, half bath and a designer Scavolini kitchen with a Wolf and SubZero appliance suite, waterfall island and LaCantina doors opening the rear of the home to a stunning Ipe deck and private yard below – perfect for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining. The second floor master suite features a step out balcony, large walk in closet and stunning bath with dual vanity, free standing soaking tub and steam shower. Completing the 2nd level is the den with working gas fireplace – perfect for a home office, nursery or fourth bedroom. The top floor features 2 bedrooms, a central family/playroom and bath. New EPDM rubber roof, Marvin windows, hardwood floors, central HVAC system and pre-wiring for sound and cable. Centrally located near NYC transportation, parks, schools and dining/nightlife. Sophisticated urban living at its best!

Andrew Kist A 750 square foot top floor apartment is transformed from a cramped and musty two bedroom into a sun-drenched aerie with a second floor home office recaptured from an old storage loft. Multiple skylights and a large picture window allow light to fill the space altering the feeling throughout the days and seasons. Views of New York Harbor, previously ignored, are now a daily event. Featured in the Fall 2016 issue of Domino, and on Refinery 29.

Contemporary townhouse centrally situated on one of Hoboken’s finest blocks. Meticulously renovated 2 years ago, this circa 1889 brick row house has been thoughtfully designed for today’s urban family. Currently configured as a 2 family home, the owner’s triplex features 3 bedrooms, den and 2½ bathrooms. Keeping future expansion in mind, the oversized 1 bedroom garden apartment can easily be recaptured to integrate with the main residence for a total of 3,000+ square feet of living space across 4 floors. The bright open parlor level features contemporary clean lines, working gas fireplace, half bath and a designer Scavolini kitchen with a Wolf and SubZero appliance suite, waterfall island and LaCantina doors opening the rear of the home to a stunning Ipe deck and private yard below – perfect for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining. The second floor master suite features a step out balcony, large walk in closet and stunning bath with dual vanity, free standing soaking tub and steam shower. Completing the 2nd level is the den with working gas fireplace – perfect for a home office, nursery or fourth bedroom. The top floor features 2 bedrooms, a central family/playroom and bath. New EPDM rubber roof, Marvin windows, hardwood floors, central HVAC system and pre-wiring for sound and cable. Centrally located near NYC transportation, parks, schools and dining/nightlife. Sophisticated urban living at its best!

floors painted to recapture age and style of home
Cottage kitchen photo in Grand Rapids