See "Before" photo of fireplace on next page. The intent of the new fireplace and design was to reduce the mass of the of the fireplace and to scale it to the space. The size of the fireplace box opening was made to appear larger without changing its physical size with the use of a steel metal surround. The angled river rock walls were clad with drywall to have them blend with the adjoining walls. The wood paneling above the mantle keeps the proportion narrow and slender. Emily Minton Redfield Photography

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/

Inspiration for a transitional master beige tile and gray tile walk-in shower remodel in Denver with open cabinets, light wood cabinets, beige walls, an integrated sink and a hinged shower door

George Oakley
Trendy open concept concrete floor living room photo in Salt Lake City with white walls and a hanging fireplace

Example of a mountain style l-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white countertops

Inspiration for a bedroom and large transitional girl medium tone wood floor and brown floor kids' bedroom remodel in Los Angeles with pink walls

Barbara Ries
Elegant patio photo in San Francisco

Small trendy backyard gravel patio photo with a pergola

ERGON® Living changes the concept of door, by reducing swing-space requirements by 50%. Thanks to the innovative movement, the door can be opened from either side.

photos by Steve Chenn
Mountain style one-story exterior home photo in Houston

Every season has a different duration of daylight. With Pirouette® Window Shadings you are in control of the light in your home. The option to have your shades motorized creates ease and comfort. They have a sheer fabric backing that goes from filter to total blackout.

The former kitchen was changed to a formal dining space with lots of light from the windows in the front of the house. The opening to the new dining space was widened, and the opening leading into the kitchen was reduced to give a sense of distinct spaces while still remaining quite open.

Integrated design-build services combining architectural design with construction management under single contract. EDR Design Build eliminates traditional separation between design and construction phases, reducing project delays and cost overruns. Services include conceptual design, permitting coordination, material selection, quality control, and budget management. Streamlined communication reduces change orders and accelerates project delivery compared to traditional general contracting methods.

Integrated design-build services combining architectural design with construction management under single contract. EDR Design Build eliminates traditional separation between design and construction phases, reducing project delays and cost overruns. Services include conceptual design, permitting coordination, material selection, quality control, and budget management. Streamlined communication reduces change orders and accelerates project delivery compared to traditional general contracting methods.

Integrated design-build services combining architectural design with construction management under single contract. EDR Design Build eliminates traditional separation between design and construction phases, reducing project delays and cost overruns. Services include conceptual design, permitting coordination, material selection, quality control, and budget management. Streamlined communication reduces change orders and accelerates project delivery compared to traditional general contracting methods.

Integrated design-build services combining architectural design with construction management under single contract. EDR Design Build eliminates traditional separation between design and construction phases, reducing project delays and cost overruns. Services include conceptual design, permitting coordination, material selection, quality control, and budget management. Streamlined communication reduces change orders and accelerates project delivery compared to traditional general contracting methods.

Integrated design-build services combining architectural design with construction management under single contract. EDR Design Build eliminates traditional separation between design and construction phases, reducing project delays and cost overruns. Services include conceptual design, permitting coordination, material selection, quality control, and budget management. Streamlined communication reduces change orders and accelerates project delivery compared to traditional general contracting methods.

Integrated design-build services combining architectural design with construction management under single contract. EDR Design Build eliminates traditional separation between design and construction phases, reducing project delays and cost overruns. Services include conceptual design, permitting coordination, material selection, quality control, and budget management. Streamlined communication reduces change orders and accelerates project delivery compared to traditional general contracting methods.

Sean Chang Design Studio
Example of a mid-sized transitional enclosed light wood floor family room design in San Francisco with beige walls, no fireplace and a tv stand