Photo: Hoi Ning Wong © 2014 Houzz Architect: square three design studios Interior designer: GoGo Creations Builder: Clarum Homes
Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in San Francisco

Whether its an in-ground pool or semi in-ground pool, your home or establishment will look great. Professional quality and service. Call today! 718-746-5005

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Pool - large modern backyard tile and rectangular lap pool idea in Miami

Photo: A Darling Felicity Photography © 2015 Houzz
Example of a mid-sized country porcelain tile mudroom design in Seattle with green walls

Nestled within seven acres of sloping hickory and oak forest overlooking Berkshire Lake in Taghkanic, New York is a 4,000 square foot lake house designed by JZA+D. This registered LEED for Homes residence proved rather challenging due to wetlands requiring JZA+D to work through the permitting approval process with the NY Department of Conservation. The project also required the review and approval by the Community Board. With impressive views of the lake the home is dynamic and modern with a rustic feeling featuring stone walls, a large open-air porch and a two story chimney with two high efficiency fireplaces. The main living spaces open up to dynamic views of the lake and surrounding hillside. Utilizing sustainable geothermal and solar energy, this LEED home also features tankless water heaters and double pane low-E Argon filled windows. All sustainable systems utilize heat recovery applications.

Nestled within seven acres of sloping hickory and oak forest overlooking Berkshire Lake in Taghkanic, New York is a 4,000 square foot lake house designed by JZA+D. This registered LEED for Homes residence proved rather challenging due to wetlands requiring JZA+D to work through the permitting approval process with the NY Department of Conservation. The project also required the review and approval by the Community Board. With impressive views of the lake the home is dynamic and modern with a rustic feeling featuring stone walls, a large open-air porch and a two story chimney with two high efficiency fireplaces. The main living spaces open up to dynamic views of the lake and surrounding hillside. Utilizing sustainable geothermal and solar energy, this LEED home also features tankless water heaters and double pane low-E Argon filled windows. All sustainable systems utilize heat recovery applications.

Nestled within seven acres of sloping hickory and oak forest overlooking Berkshire Lake in Taghkanic, New York is a 4,000 square foot lake house designed by JZA+D. This registered LEED for Homes residence proved rather challenging due to wetlands requiring JZA+D to work through the permitting approval process with the NY Department of Conservation. The project also required the review and approval by the Community Board. With impressive views of the lake the home is dynamic and modern with a rustic feeling featuring stone walls, a large open-air porch and a two story chimney with two high efficiency fireplaces. The main living spaces open up to dynamic views of the lake and surrounding hillside. Utilizing sustainable geothermal and solar energy, this LEED home also features tankless water heaters and double pane low-E Argon filled windows. All sustainable systems utilize heat recovery applications.

Nestled within seven acres of sloping hickory and oak forest overlooking Berkshire Lake in Taghkanic, New York is a 4,000 square foot lake house designed by JZA+D. This registered LEED for Homes residence proved rather challenging due to wetlands requiring JZA+D to work through the permitting approval process with the NY Department of Conservation. The project also required the review and approval by the Community Board. With impressive views of the lake the home is dynamic and modern with a rustic feeling featuring stone walls, a large open-air porch and a two story chimney with two high efficiency fireplaces. The main living spaces open up to dynamic views of the lake and surrounding hillside. Utilizing sustainable geothermal and solar energy, this LEED home also features tankless water heaters and double pane low-E Argon filled windows. All sustainable systems utilize heat recovery applications.

Nestled within seven acres of sloping hickory and oak forest overlooking Berkshire Lake in Taghkanic, New York is a 4,000 square foot lake house designed by JZA+D. This registered LEED for Homes residence proved rather challenging due to wetlands requiring JZA+D to work through the permitting approval process with the NY Department of Conservation. The project also required the review and approval by the Community Board. With impressive views of the lake the home is dynamic and modern with a rustic feeling featuring stone walls, a large open-air porch and a two story chimney with two high efficiency fireplaces. The main living spaces open up to dynamic views of the lake and surrounding hillside. Utilizing sustainable geothermal and solar energy, this LEED home also features tankless water heaters and double pane low-E Argon filled windows. All sustainable systems utilize heat recovery applications.

Nestled within seven acres of sloping hickory and oak forest overlooking Berkshire Lake in Taghkanic, New York is a 4,000 square foot lake house designed by JZA+D. This registered LEED for Homes residence proved rather challenging due to wetlands requiring JZA+D to work through the permitting approval process with the NY Department of Conservation. The project also required the review and approval by the Community Board. With impressive views of the lake the home is dynamic and modern with a rustic feeling featuring stone walls, a large open-air porch and a two story chimney with two high efficiency fireplaces. The main living spaces open up to dynamic views of the lake and surrounding hillside. Utilizing sustainable geothermal and solar energy, this LEED home also features tankless water heaters and double pane low-E Argon filled windows. All sustainable systems utilize heat recovery applications.

Nestled within seven acres of sloping hickory and oak forest overlooking Berkshire Lake in Taghkanic, New York is a 4,000 square foot lake house designed by JZA+D. This registered LEED for Homes residence proved rather challenging due to wetlands requiring JZA+D to work through the permitting approval process with the NY Department of Conservation. The project also required the review and approval by the Community Board. With impressive views of the lake the home is dynamic and modern with a rustic feeling featuring stone walls, a large open-air porch and a two story chimney with two high efficiency fireplaces. The main living spaces open up to dynamic views of the lake and surrounding hillside. Utilizing sustainable geothermal and solar energy, this LEED home also features tankless water heaters and double pane low-E Argon filled windows. All sustainable systems utilize heat recovery applications.

Nestled within seven acres of sloping hickory and oak forest overlooking Berkshire Lake in Taghkanic, New York is a 4,000 square foot lake house designed by JZA+D. This registered LEED for Homes residence proved rather challenging due to wetlands requiring JZA+D to work through the permitting approval process with the NY Department of Conservation. The project also required the review and approval by the Community Board. With impressive views of the lake the home is dynamic and modern with a rustic feeling featuring stone walls, a large open-air porch and a two story chimney with two high efficiency fireplaces. The main living spaces open up to dynamic views of the lake and surrounding hillside. Utilizing sustainable geothermal and solar energy, this LEED home also features tankless water heaters and double pane low-E Argon filled windows. All sustainable systems utilize heat recovery applications.

Custom Surface Solutions (www.css-tile.com) - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 430-1215. This project shows new 12 x 24 tile installed vertically with offset layout pattern on wall and floor. Includes shower box with linear glass accent tile back and vertical glass accent band. Tile edges are finished with Schluter Jolly satin aluminum profile edge trim.

Nestled within seven acres of sloping hickory and oak forest overlooking Berkshire Lake in Taghkanic, New York is a 4,000 square foot lake house designed by JZA+D. This registered LEED for Homes residence proved rather challenging due to wetlands requiring JZA+D to work through the permitting approval process with the NY Department of Conservation. The project also required the review and approval by the Community Board. With impressive views of the lake the home is dynamic and modern with a rustic feeling featuring stone walls, a large open-air porch and a two story chimney with two high efficiency fireplaces. The main living spaces open up to dynamic views of the lake and surrounding hillside. Utilizing sustainable geothermal and solar energy, this LEED home also features tankless water heaters and double pane low-E Argon filled windows. All sustainable systems utilize heat recovery applications.

Example of a mid-sized transitional 3/4 white tile multicolored floor and single-sink alcove shower design in Phoenix with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, a vessel sink, a hinged shower door, white countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.