Rodwin Architecture and Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, CO, United States We recently completed the design and construction of this beautiful 3800 s.f. contemporary Colorado mountain home, above the foothills of Boulder. We designed the house to maximize the sweeping views of Indian Peaks mountain range, while simultaneously optimizing passive solar design. The open floor plan brings natural light and passive cooling into every part of the house; the vaulted ceilings create an airy, sunny feeling. Every room opens to generous patios and decks to facilitate easy indoor/outdoor living. White Oak floors, granite counters and local flagstone finishes lend a warm modern texture to the home. We carefully preserved one hand-built quartz wall that was part of the house that formerly occupied the site, and restored the original adjacent homestead, successfully receiving Historic Landmark designation. This very energy efficient home (HERS 40 – uses 60% less energy than allowed by code), uses solar–photovoltaics, foam insulation, Energy Star windows & appliances, LED lighting, and a high-efficiency mechanical system. It uses EPA Watersense plumbing fixtures and Xeric landscaping to dramatically reduce water

Rodwin Architecture and Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, CO, United States We recently completed the design and construction of this beautiful 3800 s.f. contemporary Colorado mountain home, above the foothills of Boulder. We designed the house to maximize the sweeping views of Indian Peaks mountain range, while simultaneously optimizing passive solar design. The open floor plan brings natural light and passive cooling into every part of the house; the vaulted ceilings create an airy, sunny feeling. Every room opens to generous patios and decks to facilitate easy indoor/outdoor living. White Oak floors, granite counters and local flagstone finishes lend a warm modern texture to the home. We carefully preserved one hand-built quartz wall that was part of the house that formerly occupied the site, and restored the original adjacent homestead, successfully receiving Historic Landmark designation. This very energy efficient home (HERS 40 – uses 60% less energy than allowed by code), uses solar–photovoltaics, foam insulation, Energy Star windows & appliances, LED lighting, and a high-efficiency mechanical system. It uses EPA Watersense plumbing fixtures and Xeric landscaping to dramatically reduce water

This lakefront diamond in the rough lot was waiting to be discovered by someone with a modern naturalistic vision and passion. Maintaining an eco-friendly, and sustainable build was at the top of the client priority list. Designed and situated to benefit from passive and active solar as well as through breezes from the lake, this indoor/outdoor living space truly establishes a symbiotic relationship with its natural surroundings. The pie-shaped lot provided significant challenges with a street width of 50ft, a steep shoreline buffer of 50ft, as well as a powerline easement reducing the buildable area. The client desired a smaller home of approximately 2500sf that juxtaposed modern lines with the free form of the natural setting. The 250ft of lakefront afforded 180-degree views which guided the design to maximize this vantage point while supporting the adjacent environment through preservation of heritage trees. Prior to construction the shoreline buffer had been rewilded with wildflowers, perennials, utilization of clover and meadow grasses to support healthy animal and insect re-population. The inclusion of solar panels as well as hydroponic heated floors and wood stove supported the owner’s desire to be self-sufficient. Core ten steel was selected as the predominant material to allow it to “rust” as it weathers thus blending into the natural environment.

A retired couple desired a valiant master suite in their “forever home”. After living in their mid-century house for many years, they approached our design team with a concept to add a 3rd story suite with sweeping views of Puget sound. Our team stood atop the home’s rooftop with the clients admiring the view that this structural lift would create in enjoyment and value. The only concern was how they and their dear-old dog, would get from their ground floor garage entrance in the daylight basement to this new suite in the sky? Our CAPS design team specified universal design elements throughout the home, to allow the couple and their 120lb. Pit Bull Terrier to age in place. A new residential elevator added to the westside of the home. Placing the elevator shaft on the exterior of the home minimized the need for interior structural changes. A shed roof for the addition followed the slope of the site, creating tall walls on the east side of the master suite to allow ample daylight into rooms without sacrificing useable wall space in the closet or bathroom. This kept the western walls low to reduce the amount of direct sunlight from the late afternoon sun, while maximizing the view of the Puget Sound and distant Olympic mountain range. The master suite is the crowning glory of the redesigned home. The bedroom puts the bed up close to the wide picture window. While soothing violet-colored walls and a plush upholstered headboard have created a bedroom that encourages lounging, including a plush dog bed. A private balcony provides yet another excuse for never leaving the bedroom suite, and clerestory windows between the bedroom and adjacent master bathroom help flood the entire space with natural light. The master bathroom includes an easy-access shower, his-and-her vanities with motion-sensor toe kick lights, and pops of beachy blue in the tile work and on the ceiling for a spa-like feel. Some other universal design features in this master suite include wider doorways, accessible balcony, wall mounted vanities, tile and vinyl floor surfaces to reduce transition and pocket doors for easy use. A large walk-through closet links the bedroom and bathroom, with clerestory windows at the high ceilings The third floor is finished off with a vestibule area with an indoor sauna, and an adjacent entertainment deck with an outdoor kitchen & bar.

Our weather is moderate in San Diego and you could benefit from using a whole house fan to reduce your needs for air conditioning. Whole house fans keep your home cool through the usage of a powerful suction that pulls indoor warm air out, replacing that stale warm air with cooler outside air. Whole house fans can be manually turned on or programmed to run on a schedule. In order to achieve the desired results, windows for the home need to be open. The ideal time to run your whole house fan is when outside temperatures drop below inside temperatures. The fan will evacuate the warm air inside your home and exhaust it through the roof vents, while drawing in cooler outside air into the home through open windows. Design Options The simplest design option for whole-house fans are ceiling-mounted variations. These types of fans are installed in the attic between the ceiling and living space. These fans are the least expensive however they can be noisy and create vibrations. Ducted whole-house fans run much quieter than ceiling-mounted fans. With ducted whole-house fans, the ductwork will vent the inside warm air directly out of the home, rather than through attic vents likes the ceiling-mounted variation. With whole house fans you also have variable speeds that allow you to control the speed of inside warm air being expelled from the home. You can adjust it to high speed to flush air out quickly or low speed to allow for a continuous, gentle air flow. Programmable thermostats and temperature controllers add to the convenience by automating the whole-house fan.

Frameless Mirrored Medicine Cabinet with Vertical LED Task Lights GlassCrafters’ Vertical LED Task Lights illuminate your daily grooming activities with energy efficient, optimal warm white light and integrate seamlessly into any décor. Providing a minimal, low profile design aesthetic, the 2 - 1/2" wide Vertical LED Task Lights are easy to install and complement GlassCrafters’ 24", 30" and 36" high, frameless flat or beveled mirrored cabinets.

Create an enchanting atmosphere of moody romance in your home with our deep pink and blush rug, elegantly complemented by artistic brown-black accents. Constructed from 100% premium EnduraStran nylon yarn, this rug is a timeless addition to any room. Its machine-loomed design and low pile height make it a breeze to clean, making it an ideal choice for households with children and pets. Utilizing cutting-edge dying techniques, this rug beautifully showcases vintage charm with antique motifs, intricate detailing, and a hint of graceful distressing. Elevate your traditional, farmhouse, maximalist, vintage/antique or boho space with a rug that is the perfect blend of allure, style and durability. Features: --Made of durable commercial-grade premium EnduraStran nylon yarn. --Art and science meld with our PrecisionPoint Custom Yarn Dye System allowing for supreme colorfastness. --U/V fade-, stain-, and fire-resistant; Ideal for high-traffic and family-friendly areas, like living room, family room, den and bedroom. --Serged edges provide long-lasting wear and reduced fraying. ---Synthetic Loc-Bak backing ensures rug lays flat and won’t curl. --CRI Green Label Plus™ Certified for improved indoor air quality. --Family- and pet-friendly low pile is approx. 3/8"H; easy to care for, vacuum and spot clean with water. --Made in the USA; Our rugs are made for you at the time you place your order, so there's no stock sitting in warehouses. Please allow two weeks for manufacture and shipping on regular-sized items (for oversized items, please allow up to 4 weeks).

The Cherry Road project is a humble yet striking example of how small changes can have a big impact. A meaningful project as the final room to be renovated in this house, thus our completion aligned with the family’s move-in. The kitchen posed a number of problems the design worked to remedy. Such as an existing window oriented the room towards a neighboring driveway. The initial design move sought to reorganize the space internally, focusing the view from the sink back through the house to the pool and courtyard beyond. This simple repositioning allowed the range to center on the opposite wall, flanked by two windows that reduce direct views to the driveway while increasing the natural light of the space. The island has a custom steel base with hammered legs, with a natural wax finish on it. The top is soapstone and incorporates an integral drain board in the kitchen sink. We did custom bar stools with steel bases and upholstered seats.

Custom peninsula reef aquarium designed as a room divider within this contemporary New Jersey home. The aquarium was integrated directly into the architectural layout of the space to create separation between the dining and living areas while still maintaining open sightlines and natural flow throughout the home. The peninsula-style layout allows viewing from multiple angles and creates a strong visual focal point within the interior space. Projects like this require coordination between aquarium design, structural planning, cabinetry integration, plumbing layout, lighting placement, and long-term service accessibility prior to fabrication and installation. The system includes remote filtration and life support equipment located separately from the main display aquarium to improve serviceability, reduce equipment visibility, and maintain a cleaner overall presentation within the living space. Custom aquarium design, fabrication coordination, installation, and ongoing maintenance by Aqua Creations. www.AquaCustomFishTanks.com

Rodwin Architecture and Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, CO, United States We recently completed the design and construction of this beautiful 3800 s.f. contemporary Colorado mountain home, above the foothills of Boulder. We designed the house to maximize the sweeping views of Indian Peaks mountain range, while simultaneously optimizing passive solar design. The open floor plan brings natural light and passive cooling into every part of the house; the vaulted ceilings create an airy, sunny feeling. Every room opens to generous patios and decks to facilitate easy indoor/outdoor living. White Oak floors, granite counters and local flagstone finishes lend a warm modern texture to the home. We carefully preserved one hand-built quartz wall that was part of the house that formerly occupied the site, and restored the original adjacent homestead, successfully receiving Historic Landmark designation. This very energy efficient home (HERS 40 – uses 60% less energy than allowed by code), uses solar–photovoltaics, foam insulation, Energy Star windows & appliances, LED lighting, and a high-efficiency mechanical system. It uses EPA Watersense plumbing fixtures and Xeric landscaping to dramatically reduce water

These clients have a high sense of design and have always built their own homes. They just downsized into a typical town home and needed this new space to stand out but also be accommodating of aging in place. The client, Jim, has a handful of challenges ahead of him with dealing with Parkinson and all of it symptoms. We optimized the shower, enlarging it by eliminating the tub and not using a shower door. We were able to do a curbless shower, reducing the likelihood of falling. We used larger tiles in the bathroom and shower but added the anti slip porcelain. I included a built-in seat in the shower and a stand-alone bench on the other side. We used a separate hand shower and easy to grab handles. A natural palette peppered with some aqua and green breathes fresh, new life into a re-imagined UTC town home. Choosing materials and finishes that have higher contrast helps make the change from flooring to wall, as well as cabinet to counter, more obvious. Large glass wall tiles make the bathroom seem much larger. A flush installation of drywall to tile is easy on the eye while showing the attention to detail. A modern custom floating vanity allows for walker wheels if needed. Personal touches like adding a filter faucet at the sink makes his trips to take medicine a bit easier. One of my favorite things in design for any project is lighting. Not only can lighting add to the look and feel of the space, but it can also create a safer environment. Installing different types of lighting, including scones on either side of the mirror, recessed can lights both inside and outside of the shower, and LED strip lighting under the floating vanity, keep this modern bathroom current and very functional. Because of the skylight and the round window, light is allowed in to play with the different colors in the glass and the shapes around the room, which created a bright and playful bathroom. It is not often that I get to play with stain-glass, but this existing circular window, that we could NOT change, needed some love. We used a local craftsman that allowed us to design a playful stain-glass piece for the inside of the bathroom window, reminding them of their front door in their custom home years ago.

WexfordHDP is a warm, artisanal fabric look brought to life with proprietary High Definition Porcelain® technology by Florida Tile. The graphic is a beautiful representation of burlap that includes semblances of interlacing fabric strands and subtle nuances of pattern shift. A light punch and specialized glaze create a soft appearance and delicate texture that combine for a fashionable statement – perfect for any commercial or residential application.This color body glazed porcelain tile comes in multiple formats – 24x24, 12x24, 8x24, and 3.75x12, all rectified. Classic colors of Linen- a creamy off-white, Muslin- a light beige, Burlap- a medium taupe, Wool- a light blue/gray, and Tweed- a dark gray, all complement one another, allowing you to mix and match to create a uniquely inspired space. Two mixed-color rhomboid mosaics come in either light or dark mixes. A straightstack mosaic and bullnose are also available in all five colors.Made in the USA in our GreenSquared® certified Advanced Manufacturing Center in Lawrenceburg, KY, WexfordHDP contains 40% pre-consumer recycled content. It meets the DCOF AcuTest requirements to be installed in wet areas and is GREENGUARD® and Porcelain Tile certified. Incorporated into the tile surface is Microban® antimicrobial technology that works continuously to inhibit bacteria growth, improve visible cleanliness, and reduce odors.

Anchored by the homeowner’s 42-foot-long painting, the interiors of this Palm Springs residence were designed to showcase the owner’s art collection, and create functional spaces for daily living that can be easily adapted for large social gatherings. Referencing the environment and architecture in both form and material, the finishes and custom furnishings bring the interior to life. Alluding to the roofs that suspend over the building, the sofas seem to hover above the carpets while the knife-edge table top appears to float above a metal base. Bleached and cerused wood mimic the “desert effect” that would naturally occur in this environment, while the textiles on the sofa are the same shade as the rocks of the landscape. Monolithic concrete floors connect all of the spaces while concealing mechanical systems, and stone thresholds signal vertical level changes and exterior transitions. Large wall masses provide the optimal backdrop for the homeowner’s oversized art. The wall structures ground the interior, while the opposing expanses of glass frame the desert views. The location and use of operable doors and windows allows the house to naturally ventilate, reducing cooling loads. The furnishings create spaces in an architectural fashion. Designed and fabricated for flexibility, the pieces easily accommodate the owners’ large social gatherings. The dining table can be split into two and the sofas can be pushed out along the walls, opening the center of the space to entertain. The design of the interior spaces and furnishings seamlessly integrates the setting, architecture, artwork and spaces into a cohesive whole.

The Jules + Cole Lela rug takes the allure of a worn Persian carpet and marries it with a modern color palette. Silvery whites highlight deep plums and coppery pinks to create a look that is colorful and unique, but also aged and refined. The stain and fade resistance of antimicrobial EnduaStran yarn ensures your rug will stand the test of time. Features: -Made of durable commercial-grade premium EnduraStran nylon yarn. -Art and science meld with our PrecisionPoint Custom Yarn Dye System allowing for supreme colorfastness. -U/V fade-, stain-, and fire-resistant; Ideal for high-traffic and family-friendly areas, like living room, family room, den and bedroom. -Serged edges also provide long-lasting wear and reduced fraying. -Synthetic Loc-Bak backing ensures this rug lays flat and won’t curl. -CRI Green Label Plus™ Certified for improved indoor air quality. -Family- and pet-friendly low pile is approx. 3/8"H; easy to care for, vacuum and spot clean with water. -Made in the USA; Our rugs are made for you at the time you place your order, so there's no stock sitting in warehouses. Please allow two weeks for manufacture and shipping.

The Rancho Estate provides a level of luxury that sets it apart from any residence in Los Angeles, breaking the record for the most expensive home ever sold in the Encino area. The Eden Group worked with the client to achieve all their development goals by providing integrated design and engineering services which developed concurrently achieving project milestones while staying within the construction budget. Our residential design team used modern aesthetics which entailed of design elements tailored to provide spacious and unparalleled views of the San Fernando Valley. Attracting a dream buyer is the most important aspect in the eyes of any real estate developer and that is why we chose two words to describe the amenities we incorporated into the design: Vast & Spectacular. The estate allows you to swim with infinite views, get your work out on at the indoor gym, shoot hoops with your friends in the indoor basketball court, go for a round of bowling with your child, chomp on popcorn in your theater, get a massage after the steam room at your private spa, putt a couple hole-in-ones, and if you get bored you can always choose to go for a ride from the collection inside your 16-car garage. Majestic high ceilings mixed wide span openings created a challenge for our engineers given the strict rules in the Baseline Hillside Ordinance and the California Building Code. Our structural engineers prepared innovative design plans which entailed of 150 deep pile foundations mixed with steel and laminated timber framing members. We also used permanent shoring techniques to reduce construction cost by eliminating the need for temporary shoring plans for both the structure foundation and on-site retaining walls. Given that California has some of the strictest stormwater management requirements and the total amount of non-permeable areas on this project, the client was required to construct a 35,000-gallon rain harvesting tank per the Low Impact Development Plan Best Management Practice (BMP’s) standards. Our specialized drainage design team captured all on-site stormwater through trench drains, area drains, and downspouts which routed water to a mechanical sump pump that connected to the storage tank for irrigation use later. Innovative design engineering techniques used on this project allowed for increased safety and sustainability making the Rancho Estate a masterpiece of contemporary construction.

In order to make this kitchen more functional we had to play with the layout. We decided to switch the range and the fridge to better balance the space. We reduced the size of the bulky soffit to allow for taller cabinets and make the space feel more open. We shifted all the appliances down and added a built-in coffee machine & ice maker. In choosing the finishes, our client decided to go with an accent island. The white perimeter and gray stained island really updated this kitchen. Previously, the back half of the island sat at bar height. To make efficient use of space, we made it all one height. Since we extended the entire kitchen, this deleted the dining table. To accommodate for this, the large island seats six & has additional storage underneath! We used a beautiful quartz throughout the kitchen and bar area. We used a gray glass subway tile for the backsplash with an accent tile in a similar color over the range. We used that same accent tile for the bar adjacent to the kitchen. This area was previously a blank wall that our client didn't know what to do with. We added some storage, 2 wine fridges, and floating shelves with lighting to brighten up the space.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: Award of Excellence PROJECT: Hazelwood Neighborhood Center CLIENT: ACTION-Housing, Inc. ARCHITECTURE FIRM: Thoughtful Balance ENGINEERS: Iams Consulting, LLC; WBCM Engineering CONTRACTORS: Nelcon Construction PHOTOGRAPHER: Denmarsh Photography DESCRIPTION: This building is in the heart of Hazelwood’s main commercial area and has a deep history with the community. The ground level houses office space for local non-profit groups and the upper floor is the new home of the Hazelwood branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. This project allowed the library to double the size of its space, providing a place to gather and come together. The renovation used the Passive House Retrofit Standard, focusing on a well-insulated building envelope with controlled ventilation, optimized passive solar heating, and energy efficiency. JURY COMMENTS: The project demonstrates the potential in creative planning by increasing the useable size of an existing building and reducing the environmental impact at the same time. Metrics matter and this building made a point of demonstrating what the metrics of its sustainable design yielded.

Eileen from Glendale began walk in tub shopping about a month ago. She was not only looking for a great price but also a tub that was made with quality. Eileen decided to go with Independent Home because not only are we are more affordable than our competitors, we have a quality reputation on consumer affairs. Eileen had decided that our celebrity walk in tub model with hydrotherapy would work best for her. This tub was the best choice for her because it provides both safety and relaxation. The tub features a non-slip floor, an ADA compliant seat, and has a low edge, making it easy for entering and exiting. The hydrotherapy spa allows Eileen to reduce any joint pain that she may have, simply by turning on the jets and enjoying a deep soak. Eileen’s walk in tub installation only took one day to complete. The process included taking out her old bathtub along with the foundation, disconnecting the plumbing, bringing in the new tub, leveling the legs, connecting the new plumbing, and checking for leaks. The last part of the installation process was building the tub’s finish. Eileen had wanted a riser rod for a clean wall surround along with a stand-up shower fixture.