This 3,300 square foot, LEED Platinum, Zero Energy Home sits on a hill with a beautiful view of rural Frederick County. The walls are Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC). Deep overhangs and careful siting maximize passive solar heating and natural cooling; all south facing glazing has a very low U value and high solar heat gain coefficient to maximize solar heat in the winter. The East, North and West windows also have a very low U values and low solar heat gain coefficient to reduce cooling load. Systems include 4.3 kW solar, 1.8 kW wind turbine, batteries for backup power, geothermal heating and cooling, Energy recovery ventilation and 3000 gallons of rainwater collection.

By utilizing a 30" sink rather than a standard 33" sink, enough room was left over for a handy pull-out spice pantry. Photo: A Kitchen That Works LLC

This 3,300 square foot, LEED Platinum, Zero Energy Home sits on a hill with a beautiful view of rural Frederick County. The walls are Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC). Deep overhangs and careful siting maximize passive solar heating and natural cooling; all south facing glazing has a very low U value and high solar heat gain coefficient to maximize solar heat in the winter. The East, North and West windows also have a very low U values and low solar heat gain coefficient to reduce cooling load. Systems include 4.3 kW solar, 1.8 kW wind turbine, batteries for backup power, geothermal heating and cooling, Energy recovery ventilation and 3000 gallons of rainwater collection.

This 3,300 square foot, LEED Platinum, Zero Energy Home sits on a hill with a beautiful view of rural Frederick County. The walls are Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC). Deep overhangs and careful siting maximize passive solar heating and natural cooling; all south facing glazing has a very low U value and high solar heat gain coefficient to maximize solar heat in the winter. The East, North and West windows also have a very low U values and low solar heat gain coefficient to reduce cooling load. Systems include 4.3 kW solar, 1.8 kW wind turbine, batteries for backup power, geothermal heating and cooling, Energy recovery ventilation and 3000 gallons of rainwater collection.

This 3,300 square foot, LEED Platinum, Zero Energy Home sits on a hill with a beautiful view of rural Frederick County. The walls are Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC). Deep overhangs and careful siting maximize passive solar heating and natural cooling; all south facing glazing has a very low U value and high solar heat gain coefficient to maximize solar heat in the winter. The East, North and West windows also have a very low U values and low solar heat gain coefficient to reduce cooling load. Systems include 4.3 kW solar, 1.8 kW wind turbine, batteries for backup power, geothermal heating and cooling, Energy recovery ventilation and 3000 gallons of rainwater collection.

This 3,300 square foot, LEED Platinum, Zero Energy Home sits on a hill with a beautiful view of rural Frederick County. The walls are Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC). Deep overhangs and careful siting maximize passive solar heating and natural cooling; all south facing glazing has a very low U value and high solar heat gain coefficient to maximize solar heat in the winter. The East, North and West windows also have a very low U values and low solar heat gain coefficient to reduce cooling load. Systems include 4.3 kW solar, 1.8 kW wind turbine, batteries for backup power, geothermal heating and cooling, Energy recovery ventilation and 3000 gallons of rainwater collection.

This 3,300 square foot, LEED Platinum, Zero Energy Home sits on a hill with a beautiful view of rural Frederick County. The walls are Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC). Deep overhangs and careful siting maximize passive solar heating and natural cooling; all south facing glazing has a very low U value and high solar heat gain coefficient to maximize solar heat in the winter. The East, North and West windows also have a very low U values and low solar heat gain coefficient to reduce cooling load. Systems include 4.3 kW solar, 1.8 kW wind turbine, batteries for backup power, geothermal heating and cooling, Energy recovery ventilation and 3000 gallons of rainwater collection.

This 3,300 square foot, LEED Platinum, Zero Energy Home sits on a hill with a beautiful view of rural Frederick County. The walls are Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC). Deep overhangs and careful siting maximize passive solar heating and natural cooling; all south facing glazing has a very low U value and high solar heat gain coefficient to maximize solar heat in the winter. The East, North and West windows also have a very low U values and low solar heat gain coefficient to reduce cooling load. Systems include 4.3 kW solar, 1.8 kW wind turbine, batteries for backup power, geothermal heating and cooling, Energy recovery ventilation and 3000 gallons of rainwater collection.

This 3,300 square foot, LEED Platinum, Zero Energy Home sits on a hill with a beautiful view of rural Frederick County. The walls are Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC). Deep overhangs and careful siting maximize passive solar heating and natural cooling; all south facing glazing has a very low U value and high solar heat gain coefficient to maximize solar heat in the winter. The East, North and West windows also have a very low U values and low solar heat gain coefficient to reduce cooling load. Systems include 4.3 kW solar, 1.8 kW wind turbine, batteries for backup power, geothermal heating and cooling, Energy recovery ventilation and 3000 gallons of rainwater collection.

This 3,300 square foot, LEED Platinum, Zero Energy Home sits on a hill with a beautiful view of rural Frederick County. The walls are Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC). Deep overhangs and careful siting maximize passive solar heating and natural cooling; all south facing glazing has a very low U value and high solar heat gain coefficient to maximize solar heat in the winter. The East, North and West windows also have a very low U values and low solar heat gain coefficient to reduce cooling load. Systems include 4.3 kW solar, 1.8 kW wind turbine, batteries for backup power, geothermal heating and cooling, Energy recovery ventilation and 3000 gallons of rainwater collection.

This project highlights a high-impact exterior upgrade for a residential property flip in Philadelphia, featuring modern white vinyl siding paired with bold black window trim for maximum resale appeal. Designed with ROI in mind, this siding installation transforms an older structure into a clean, contemporary asset that stands out in today’s competitive real estate market. Clean lines, neutral tones, and sharp contrast help attract buyers and increase perceived value. Scope included full exterior prep on an existing home and efficient installation of durable, low-maintenance vinyl siding, ideal for long-term performance with minimal upkeep—perfect for investors looking to reduce future costs. The front entry and porch were upgraded to create a strong first impression, while large window layouts enhance natural light and buyer appeal. This project is a prime example of strategic exterior renovation for house flips, rental properties, and investment portfolios, delivering both visual impact and practical durability. ✅ Investor-friendly timelines & pricing ✅ Serving Philadelphia & Montgomery County ✅ Experienced with flips, rentals, and resale-focused renovations

This project highlights a high-impact exterior upgrade for a residential property flip in Philadelphia, featuring modern white vinyl siding paired with bold black window trim for maximum resale appeal. Designed with ROI in mind, this siding installation transforms an older structure into a clean, contemporary asset that stands out in today’s competitive real estate market. Clean lines, neutral tones, and sharp contrast help attract buyers and increase perceived value. Scope included full exterior prep on an existing home and efficient installation of durable, low-maintenance vinyl siding, ideal for long-term performance with minimal upkeep—perfect for investors looking to reduce future costs. The front entry and porch were upgraded to create a strong first impression, while large window layouts enhance natural light and buyer appeal. This project is a prime example of strategic exterior renovation for house flips, rental properties, and investment portfolios, delivering both visual impact and practical durability. ✅ Investor-friendly timelines & pricing ✅ Serving Philadelphia & Montgomery County ✅ Experienced with flips, rentals, and resale-focused renovations

This project highlights a high-impact exterior upgrade for a residential property flip in Philadelphia, featuring modern white vinyl siding paired with bold black window trim for maximum resale appeal. Designed with ROI in mind, this siding installation transforms an older structure into a clean, contemporary asset that stands out in today’s competitive real estate market. Clean lines, neutral tones, and sharp contrast help attract buyers and increase perceived value. Scope included full exterior prep on an existing home and efficient installation of durable, low-maintenance vinyl siding, ideal for long-term performance with minimal upkeep—perfect for investors looking to reduce future costs. The front entry and porch were upgraded to create a strong first impression, while large window layouts enhance natural light and buyer appeal. This project is a prime example of strategic exterior renovation for house flips, rental properties, and investment portfolios, delivering both visual impact and practical durability. ✅ Investor-friendly timelines & pricing ✅ Serving Philadelphia & Montgomery County ✅ Experienced with flips, rentals, and resale-focused renovations

This project highlights a high-impact exterior upgrade for a residential property flip in Philadelphia, featuring modern white vinyl siding paired with bold black window trim for maximum resale appeal. Designed with ROI in mind, this siding installation transforms an older structure into a clean, contemporary asset that stands out in today’s competitive real estate market. Clean lines, neutral tones, and sharp contrast help attract buyers and increase perceived value. Scope included full exterior prep on an existing home and efficient installation of durable, low-maintenance vinyl siding, ideal for long-term performance with minimal upkeep—perfect for investors looking to reduce future costs. The front entry and porch were upgraded to create a strong first impression, while large window layouts enhance natural light and buyer appeal. This project is a prime example of strategic exterior renovation for house flips, rental properties, and investment portfolios, delivering both visual impact and practical durability. ✅ Investor-friendly timelines & pricing ✅ Serving Philadelphia & Montgomery County ✅ Experienced with flips, rentals, and resale-focused renovations

This project highlights a high-impact exterior upgrade for a residential property flip in Philadelphia, featuring modern white vinyl siding paired with bold black window trim for maximum resale appeal. Designed with ROI in mind, this siding installation transforms an older structure into a clean, contemporary asset that stands out in today’s competitive real estate market. Clean lines, neutral tones, and sharp contrast help attract buyers and increase perceived value. Scope included full exterior prep on an existing home and efficient installation of durable, low-maintenance vinyl siding, ideal for long-term performance with minimal upkeep—perfect for investors looking to reduce future costs. The front entry and porch were upgraded to create a strong first impression, while large window layouts enhance natural light and buyer appeal. This project is a prime example of strategic exterior renovation for house flips, rental properties, and investment portfolios, delivering both visual impact and practical durability. ✅ Investor-friendly timelines & pricing ✅ Serving Philadelphia & Montgomery County ✅ Experienced with flips, rentals, and resale-focused renovations

This is a beauty! Allheart Redwood wood with a Dark Walnut stain. Includes archway over tabletop and diamond bin, curved corners with waterfall racks leading down. With a beautiful wine room chandelier. "Eric Flores was very helpful with hints and videos. The racks assembled quite well as the components' quality was very consistent. The nail gun really reduced assembly time. A nail would occasionally go slightly to the side due to wood grain and would have to be redone. This was probably less than one percent. Overall, I would give the kits a 9.5 /10.0. The room is 8'-10" x 11'- 8" with 2x6 wall studs, sprayed foam insulation, and an exterior "speak-easy" door. We are using a WhisperKool through-the-wall unit with a bottle probe holding 60 degrees F and 50% humidity. The fun part was the trip to Healdsburg (Sonoma County) to stock up on their local award winning Cabs, Zinns, PNs, & Chards."

This frequently bi-colored flower makes a dramatic statement in the garden and is an ideal plant for those who are new to gardening. In fact, this plant is so easy to grow it has been described as “tough to kill.” It is fairly drought-resistant, plus hummingbirds and butterflies love it. It is best planted in early spring or late fall. When in bloom, the blossoms appear a bit like a hot poker or torch and for those feeling a bit of sadness saying good-bye to some of their lawn, note that these plants boast very “grass-like” leaves. This photo is of Vultaggio’s own garden and is courtesy of Sandra Vultaggio. (Note: the dramatic dark blue/black flowers in the foreground are Salvia 'Black and Blue’ which bloom from late spring to early autumn.) Photo: Courtesy of Sandra Vultaggio, Horticulture Consultant, Suffolk County Cornell Extension

Kitchen Design by Ralph Katz Photos by Nettie Einhorn
Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands