The original interior for Thetis Transformation was dominated by wood walls, cabinetry, and detailing. The space felt dark and did not capture the ocean views well. It also had many types of flooring. One of the primary goals was to brighten the space, while maintaining the warmth and history of the wood. We reduced eave overhangs and expanded a few window openings. We reused some of the original wood for new detailing, shelving, and furniture. The electrical panel for Thetis Transformation was updated and relocated. In addition, a new Heat Pump system replaced the electric furnace, and a new wood stove was installed. We also upgraded the windows for better thermal comfort.

This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income. FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own. SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio. MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch. SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf) RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property. COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort. ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements. OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income. PROJECT TEAM ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry Lisa Finch - Original Artwork European Architectural Supply - Windows Eric Roth Photography - Photography

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

Union Square Loft II DHD Interiors worked with this couple to furnish their new recently renovated Flatiron loft. Navigating the dark wood paneling and flooring, DHD selected furniture and finishes that felt rich in color and texture while still cool and casual. Layers of grass cloth wallpapers were added to the main bedrooms to reduce the contrast of the dark wood and walls, adding brightness to the loft’s overall feel. Greys and mink-toned browns served as the foundation for a base palette, with deep burgundies and blues working as accents. This loft feels like a true downtown loft with its original brick and an industrial dining table, but stays balanced with softly upholstered furniture. Each piece, from the Dunbar chaise lounge to the organically shaped coffee table, displays a sculptural quality that contributes to a visually dynamic space. 2 Bedrooms / 2,000 Square Feet Architecture and Photography: Danny Forster Design Studio

This single family home sits on a tight, sloped site. Within a modest budget, the goal was to provide direct access to grade at both the front and back of the house. The solution is a multi-split-level home with unconventional relationships between floor levels. Between the entrance level and the lower level of the family room, the kitchen and dining room are located on an interstitial level. Within the stair space “floats” a small bathroom. The generous stair is celebrated with a back-painted red glass wall which treats users to changing refractive ambient light throughout the house. Black brick, grey-tinted glass and mirrors contribute to the reasonably compact massing of the home. A cantilevered upper volume shades south facing windows and the home’s limited material palette meant a more efficient construction process. Cautious landscaping retains water run-off on the sloping site and home offices reduce the client’s use of their vehicle. The house achieves its vision within a modest footprint and with a design restraint that will ensure it becomes a long-lasting asset in the community. Photo by Tom Arban

Modern Kitchen
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, paneled appliances and an island

A newly-built downtown condo is customized and furnished to reflect their outgoing personality and busy lifestyle. A custom chaise and loveseat upholstered in a geometric navy pattern and navy velvet are accented by a dark walnut showwood base. Feather-filled back and accent cushions lend extra luxury to the finished piece. Interlined linen drapery attenuates sound and light.

We really enjoyed working with our client on this project. We refinished the existing old growth Oak and stained it dark. We used custom sized sea grass rugs to reduce the noise in this 100 year old Victorian. The diamond pattern is framed by a 2" cotton border. Our customer had a vision. It was wonderful to help make it happen.

The original interior for Thetis Transformation was dominated by wood walls, cabinetry, and detailing. The space felt dark and did not capture the ocean views well. It also had many types of flooring. One of the primary goals was to brighten the space, while maintaining the warmth and history of the wood. We reduced eave overhangs and expanded a few window openings. We reused some of the original wood for new detailing, shelving, and furniture. The electrical panel for Thetis Transformation was updated and relocated. In addition, a new Heat Pump system replaced the electric furnace, and a new wood stove was installed. We also upgraded the windows for better thermal comfort.

Presenting the first Carbon Neutral collection by Silestone®. A commitment to sustainability in which we reduce and offset the emissions of the manufacturing process with reforestation projects. Sunlit Days is inspired by the evocative Mediterranean shades of a unique lifestyle.

The original interior for Thetis Transformation was dominated by wood walls, cabinetry, and detailing. The space felt dark and did not capture the ocean views well. It also had many types of flooring. One of the primary goals was to brighten the space, while maintaining the warmth and history of the wood. We reduced eave overhangs and expanded a few window openings. We reused some of the original wood for new detailing, shelving, and furniture. The electrical panel for Thetis Transformation was updated and relocated. In addition, a new Heat Pump system replaced the electric furnace, and a new wood stove was installed. We also upgraded the windows for better thermal comfort.

Top-Notch Designs Whether you're looking to modernize the aesthetics or utility of your kitchen or to make better use of available space, you can count on Integrity Home Solutions to help you bring your vision to life. When you enlist our help on your kitchen remodel, you can: Dramatically Improve the Value of your Home Create a Beautiful Up-to-date Center of your Home Reduce Power Bills with Energy-Efficient Appliances Add Much Needed Storage Space Enjoy Top-of-the-Line Quality in Countertops, Cabinets, Fixtures and Flooring Enhance the Ambiance of your Home with Creative Lighting Concepts

The original interior for Thetis Transformation was dominated by wood walls, cabinetry, and detailing. The space felt dark and did not capture the ocean views well. It also had many types of flooring. One of the primary goals was to brighten the space, while maintaining the warmth and history of the wood. We reduced eave overhangs and expanded a few window openings. We reused some of the original wood for new detailing, shelving, and furniture. The electrical panel for Thetis Transformation was updated and relocated. In addition, a new Heat Pump system replaced the electric furnace, and a new wood stove was installed. We also upgraded the windows for better thermal comfort.

The only room that isn't colorful in this project is the bathroom. Restrained to white oversize floor tiles, ceramic wall and shower floor tiles, black hardware, and white veined marble-look engineered quartz countertop on a dark wood vanity, this bathroom is truly elegant. The custom-lighted shower niche provides additional lighting to the overhead light and a skylight above. The shower features a wand that can be placed where needed, and an overhead rain showerhead. This low-flow toilet is specially made to reduce cleaning - there are no cut-in shapes that catch dust or dirt.

The original interior for Thetis Transformation was dominated by wood walls, cabinetry, and detailing. The space felt dark and did not capture the ocean views well. It also had many types of flooring. One of the primary goals was to brighten the space, while maintaining the warmth and history of the wood. We reduced eave overhangs and expanded a few window openings. We reused some of the original wood for new detailing, shelving, and furniture. The electrical panel for Thetis Transformation was updated and relocated. In addition, a new Heat Pump system replaced the electric furnace, and a new wood stove was installed. We also upgraded the windows for better thermal comfort.

The original interior for Thetis Transformation was dominated by wood walls, cabinetry, and detailing. The space felt dark and did not capture the ocean views well. It also had many types of flooring. One of the primary goals was to brighten the space, while maintaining the warmth and history of the wood. We reduced eave overhangs and expanded a few window openings. We reused some of the original wood for new detailing, shelving, and furniture. The electrical panel for Thetis Transformation was updated and relocated. In addition, a new Heat Pump system replaced the electric furnace, and a new wood stove was installed. We also upgraded the windows for better thermal comfort.

The original interior for Thetis Transformation was dominated by wood walls, cabinetry, and detailing. The space felt dark and did not capture the ocean views well. It also had many types of flooring. One of the primary goals was to brighten the space, while maintaining the warmth and history of the wood. We reduced eave overhangs and expanded a few window openings. We reused some of the original wood for new detailing, shelving, and furniture. The electrical panel for Thetis Transformation was updated and relocated. In addition, a new Heat Pump system replaced the electric furnace, and a new wood stove was installed. We also upgraded the windows for better thermal comfort.

The original interior for Thetis Transformation was dominated by wood walls, cabinetry, and detailing. The space felt dark and did not capture the ocean views well. It also had many types of flooring. One of the primary goals was to brighten the space, while maintaining the warmth and history of the wood. We reduced eave overhangs and expanded a few window openings. We reused some of the original wood for new detailing, shelving, and furniture. The electrical panel for Thetis Transformation was updated and relocated. In addition, a new Heat Pump system replaced the electric furnace, and a new wood stove was installed. We also upgraded the windows for better thermal comfort.

The original interior for Thetis Transformation was dominated by wood walls, cabinetry, and detailing. The space felt dark and did not capture the ocean views well. It also had many types of flooring. One of the primary goals was to brighten the space, while maintaining the warmth and history of the wood. We reduced eave overhangs and expanded a few window openings. We reused some of the original wood for new detailing, shelving, and furniture. The electrical panel for Thetis Transformation was updated and relocated. In addition, a new Heat Pump system replaced the electric furnace, and a new wood stove was installed. We also upgraded the windows for better thermal comfort.