We build using techniques that always make Mother Nature happy. When moving stormwater away from buildings and parking areas we use vegetated swales and rain gardens that will allow the water to slow, spread, and sink into the earth to recharge groundwater basins. Doing this not only looks better than using pipes with asphalt and concrete basins but doesn’t carry pollutants into our creeks, lakes, or oceans as the plants will treat the water before it flows away.

Large minimalist concrete floor and gray floor enclosed dining room photo in Miami with white walls and no fireplace

This tranquil bedroom combines deep wood tones, creamy neutral walls and linens with pops of turquoise to create the ultimate space to recharge and steep in luxury.

My client lived in a small studio apartment, and after working long days at his tech start-up, he needed a sanctuary in which to return and recharge. His only requests were that the space feel like a yoga studio and embody Zen. On a limited budget, I made the artwork myself, in addition to creating a custom headboard. The headboard is made of poplar wood, which naturally has hints of green. I picked this wood specifically to match the avocado green striped duvet cover.

We build using techniques that always make Mother Nature happy. When moving stormwater away from buildings and parking areas we use vegetated swales and rain gardens that will allow the water to slow, spread, and sink into the earth to recharge groundwater basins. Doing this not only looks better than using pipes with asphalt and concrete basins but doesn’t carry pollutants into our creeks, lakes, or oceans as the plants will treat the water before it flows away.

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

This bathroom renovation brings a modern and luxurious feel to this heritage home. Featuring a double vanity, mirrored cabinet, and elegant spa-like tub – this bathroom is the perfect place to relax and recharge.

This Zen Garden is a play on textures and shapes all combined to create harmony and peace. The quiet color palette adds to the ease and restfulness making this space a comfortable space to recharge or casually entertain.

Sliding doors from the sun room open directly onto the first of three patios. Built from tumbled pavers, the upper patio is set up for dining al fresco with a 6-piece outdoor dining set plus a grill. There are also two lounge chairs and plenty of space for recharging in the sun or recreational reading.

Big, bold, and delicate, the Boho Globe has a dramatic effect and pairs well with all Soji™ Stella Solar Lanterns. Made of durable Tyvek™ material (the hallmark of the Stella line), these lanterns are tough enough to show off their lacy beauty outdoors all year round. Available in Pearl and Sky Blue Metallic

We build using techniques that always make Mother Nature happy. When moving stormwater away from buildings and parking areas we use vegetated swales and rain gardens that will allow the water to slow, spread, and sink into the earth to recharge groundwater basins. Doing this not only looks better than using pipes with asphalt and concrete basins but doesn’t carry pollutants into our creeks, lakes, or oceans as the plants will treat the water before it flows away.

We build using techniques that always make Mother Nature happy. When moving stormwater away from buildings and parking areas we use vegetated swales and rain gardens that will allow the water to slow, spread, and sink into the earth to recharge groundwater basins. Doing this not only looks better than using pipes with asphalt and concrete basins but doesn’t carry pollutants into our creeks, lakes, or oceans as the plants will treat the water before it flows away.

We build using techniques that always make Mother Nature happy. When moving stormwater away from buildings and parking areas we use vegetated swales and rain gardens that will allow the water to slow, spread, and sink into the earth to recharge groundwater basins. Doing this not only looks better than using pipes with asphalt and concrete basins but doesn’t carry pollutants into our creeks, lakes, or oceans as the plants will treat the water before it flows away.

Mid-sized transitional concrete floor hallway photo in Minneapolis with beige walls

We build using techniques that always make Mother Nature happy. When moving stormwater away from buildings and parking areas we use vegetated swales and rain gardens that will allow the water to slow, spread, and sink into the earth to recharge groundwater basins. Doing this not only looks better than using pipes with asphalt and concrete basins but doesn’t carry pollutants into our creeks, lakes, or oceans as the plants will treat the water before it flows away.

Big, bold, and delicate, the Boho Globe has a dramatic effect and pairs well with all Soji™ Stella Solar Lanterns. Made of durable Tyvek™ material (the hallmark of the Stella line), these lanterns are tough enough to show off their lacy beauty outdoors all year round. Available in Pearl and Sky Blue Metallic

We build using techniques that always make Mother Nature happy. When moving stormwater away from buildings and parking areas we use vegetated swales and rain gardens that will allow the water to slow, spread, and sink into the earth to recharge groundwater basins. Doing this not only looks better than using pipes with asphalt and concrete basins but doesn’t carry pollutants into our creeks, lakes, or oceans as the plants will treat the water before it flows away.

An undeveloped master bedroom is taken next level. Challenge: design a master bedroom that evokes creativity but also becomes a place to recharge and relax. Managed outside sub-contractors and project managed wallpaper schedule and lighting schedule. Selected all artwork, furnishings, lighting and directed artwork install.

For a young novelist, Axis Mundi provided some quick design response on how to recharge her Dining Area. We applied a bold color-field striped wallpaper, selected a carbon-fiber Moooi chandelier by Bertjan Pot, Tom Dixon felt chairs and an oval Eero Saarinen dining table. Design: John Beckmann © Axis Mundi Design LLC