Search results for "Reduce free" in Home Design Ideas

? Soft, Plush Carpet Installation – Comfort & Style Combined! ✨
This luxurious plush carpet installation brings warmth, comfort, and durability to this home’s high-traffic hallway. Designed to withstand daily wear while providing a soft, cozy feel, this carpet is perfect for hallways, bedrooms, and living areas.
Project Highlights:
✔️ Ultra-soft texture for a luxurious feel
✔️ Stain-resistant fibers for lasting beauty
✔️ Noise-reducing & sound-absorbing
✔️ Professionally installed for a seamless look
At The Floor4U, we specialize in high-quality carpet flooring solutions that offer the perfect balance of comfort and durability for any space.
? Explore Our Carpet Installation Services: https://thefloor4u.com/carpet-services/
? Visit Our Showroom: https://maps.app.goo.gl/z4h8nUfM6X5xZiqg6
⭐ Read Our 5-Star Reviews: https://maps.app.goo.gl/z4h8nUfM6X5xZiqg6
? Call Us Today: 708-775-3648
Looking to refresh your home with new carpet? Contact us today for a free consultation!
#CarpetInstallation #PlushCarpet #CozyHome #HomeImprovement #TheFloor4U #MokenaIL

Located directly across from Knight Park in Collingswood, this Grand Center Hall Colonial home had been in the same family since it’s construction in 1875. While it was in great condition when the new owners purchased the home in 2018, there was much room for some fresh life for a new young family.
Through a series of additions in the mid-1900’s, the original kitchen had been relocated to a long and narrow space at the back of the house, with a small powder and laundry room. In place of the kitchen was a small guest room that was mainly used as a play area for the kids.
The main purview of the renovation was to restore the kitchen to its original location and open it up to the living room to allow for a larger and brighter space. That left the previous kitchen space free to be converted to a full-size laundry and mud room, complete with a new rear entry space. Lastly one of the four bedrooms upstairs was reduced to make room for a new ensuite owners’ bathroom to compliment the only other full bathroom in the house.
With bright colors and plenty of large original windows, the new layout allows for a more connected and open living flow while also greatly improving the functionality of each space, making the home ready for its next chapter and generations to come.

With its expansive two-sided opening and stunningly realistic fire presentation, the DRT63ST See-Through provides a harmonious flow from one space to another, inside or outside the home. The DRT63ST See-Through is available in a 40" size, and comes standard with high-definition logs, ceramic ember bed burner, log grate, wire mesh pull screens and the Total Comfort Control™ System.
Aesthetics
Dramatic louverless construction gives the fireplace a clean, traditional masonry look and provides the ability to finish right up to the opening.
Tall ceramic-glass opening provides an exceptional view of the logs and flame.
The high-definition charred split-oak log set is cast from real wood for an authentic look.
Platinum embers enhance the glow of the fire.
Light- and dark-tinted outdoor kits trimmed in stainless steel are available for indoor/outdoor application. The dark-tinted version provides enhanced ambiance from inside the room by creating an infinity effect while reducing glare from the outside environment.
Comfort
Exclusive Secure Vent™ chimney system provides efficient venting.
Rated 68% in annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE).
Ease of Operation
Full-function remote offers an array of controls, including modulating flame height.
Gas controls are conveniently located to the side of the fireplace opening for easy installation and operation.
An adjustable air shutter is included in the burner which allows you to raise or lower flame height to desired levels.
Design Versatility
A required choice of liners available in Buff Rustic, Buff Herringbone and Black Porcelain.
Optional andirons evoke the look of a traditional hearth, in Mission and Classic styles.
Decorative freestanding screens in a variety of designs are available.
Available in power-vented versions which can vent up to 110 ft.
Can be installed as an indoor/indoor unit or as an indoor/outdoor unit with the addition of an outdoor kit.
This fireplace meets all 2015 ANSI barrier requirements.
Find the right local pro for your project

Transform your kitchen into a gleaming oasis of cleanliness with our meticulous residential kitchen cleaning services. Our team of expert cleaners is dedicated to restoring your culinary space to its pristine state, ensuring a hygienic and inviting environment for you and your loved ones.
Our Comprehensive Kitchen Cleaning Services:
Meticulous Appliance Cleaning: We'll tackle your stovetop, oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher, eliminating grease, grime, and stubborn stains for spotless appliances that shine like new.
Countertop Detailing: We'll meticulously clean and disinfect your countertops, removing spills, crumbs, and bacteria to leave them sparkling clean and ready for culinary creations.
Cabinet Care: We'll gently wipe down your cabinets, both inside and out, removing dust, fingerprints, and smudges to restore their luster and enhance the overall appearance of your kitchen.
Floor Cleaning: We'll sweep, mop, and sanitize your kitchen floors, eliminating dirt, debris, and sticky spills to leave them gleaming and spotless.
Waste Disposal: We'll responsibly remove all trash and recycling from your kitchen, ensuring a clutter-free and hygienic environment.
Additional Services:
Deep Cleaning: We offer deep cleaning services for those particularly grimy areas, such as behind the stove and under the refrigerator.
Range Hood Cleaning: We'll tackle the grease and grime buildup in your range hood, ensuring proper ventilation and reducing fire hazards.
Oven Deodorization: We'll eliminate lingering cooking odors from your oven, leaving it smelling fresh and clean.
Benefits of a Professionally Cleaned Kitchen:
Enhanced Hygiene: A clean kitchen promotes a healthier environment, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and allergies.
Reduced Stress: A tidy kitchen contributes to a more relaxing and enjoyable cooking experience.
Improved Appearance: A sparkling clean kitchen enhances the overall aesthetic of your home.
Increased Property Value: A well-maintained kitchen can boost the value of your property in case of a future sale.
Choose ON Cleaning Services for:
Unmatched Expertise: Our team of experienced cleaners is equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle even the toughest cleaning challenges.
Eco-Friendly Products: We use safe and environmentally friendly cleaning products that are gentle on your surfaces and the environment.
Flexible Scheduling: We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your busy schedule.
Satisfaction Guarantee: We are committed to your satisfaction and guarantee exceptional results.
Contact us today 508 247 0045 to schedule your residential kitchen cleaning service and experience the joy of a sparkling clean kitchen!

Laminated glass is a safety glass that uses one or more layers of PVB film (polyvinyl butyral) or SGP between two or more pieces of glass. It is made under a special process and is combined into a whole through high temperature and high pressure within a certain period of time.
Longlass Laminated Glass Advantages:
1. We have high class dust-free constant temperature and humidity laminating production line.
2. We are the approved processor by SentryGlass
3. Our products meet the requirements of BS EN12600:2002 Class 1 (C) 1 ,and ANSI Z97.1-2015 Class A ,type 4.
An impact perfbimance test for materials in accordance with BS EN12600:2002 has been performed on the four given samples. The performance classification of the all test samples is Classification 1 (C) 1.
Performance Test
Sample:5mm tempered glass + 1.14 PVB + 5mm tempered glass
Impact Test: In accordance with Clause 5.1 of ANSI Z97.1-2015 Type 4
Thermal Test: In accordance with Clause 5.3 of ANSI Z97.1-2015
The distinguish between PVB & SGP:
1.The shear modulus of SGP is 50 times of that of PVB.
2.The Tear strength of SGP is 5 times of that of PVB.
3.The bearing capacity of SGP is 2 times of that of PVB.
4. The bending of SGP is only 1/4 of that of PVB.
In a word, SGP has better performance than PVB, and it's widely applied in glass path, glass ceiling, glass floor, Stair Treads,etc.
Longlass Laminated Glass Features
Energy saving
When sunlight directly shines on a piece of colorless laminated glass, the PVB interlayer film can absorb most of the heat and only radiate a part of the heat back indoors, making the indoor and outdoor heat difficult to conduct, reducing heat energy consumption, thereby maintaining indoor temperature and saving air conditioning Energy consumption.
Security
it can withstand the penetration of accidental impact. Once the glass is damaged, its fragments will still stick together with the intermediate film, which can avoid personal or property damage caused by the glass falling, and the whole piece of glass remains intact and can continue to withstand impact, wind and rain
Sound insulation
The interlayer film has the function of blocking sound waves, so that the laminated glass can effectively control the transmission of sound and play a good sound insulation effect.
Noise reduction
In the process of sound wave transmission, the glass on both sides of the film is reflected back and forth, and is attenuated and absorbed by the soft film. Generally, the noise can be reduced by 30-40 dB. The thicker the film, the better the noise reduction effect.
Decorative effect
The laminated glass can be sandwiched with various patterns, which can achieve the decorative effect, and there are also decorative effects such as ice glass.
UV resistance
The interlayer film has the function of filtering ultraviolet rays; the special PVB film can make laminated glass weaken the transmission of sunlight, effectively block ultraviolet rays, reduce the fading of indoor fabrics. The color PVB interlayer film has different light transmittance, and can control the ultraviolet and heat gain as needed. It will not block the penetration of visible light .

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW
This family from Wheaton was ready to remodel their kitchen, dining room and powder room. The project didn’t call for any structural or space planning changes but the makeover still had a massive impact on their home. The homeowners wanted to change their dated 1990’s brown speckled granite and light maple kitchen. They liked the welcoming feeling they got from the wood and warm tones in their current kitchen, but this style clashed with their vision of a deVOL type kitchen, a London-based furniture company. Their inspiration came from the country homes of the UK that mix the warmth of traditional detail with clean lines and modern updates.
To create their vision, we started with all new framed cabinets with a modified overlay painted in beautiful, understated colors. Our clients were adamant about “no white cabinets.” Instead we used an oyster color for the perimeter and a custom color match to a specific shade of green chosen by the homeowner. The use of a simple color pallet reduces the visual noise and allows the space to feel open and welcoming. We also painted the trim above the cabinets the same color to make the cabinets look taller. The room trim was painted a bright clean white to match the ceiling.
In true English fashion our clients are not coffee drinkers, but they LOVE tea. We created a tea station for them where they can prepare and serve tea. We added plenty of glass to showcase their tea mugs and adapted the cabinetry below to accommodate storage for their tea items. Function is also key for the English kitchen and the homeowners. They requested a deep farmhouse sink and a cabinet devoted to their heavy mixer because they bake a lot. We then got rid of the stovetop on the island and wall oven and replaced both of them with a range located against the far wall. This gives them plenty of space on the island to roll out dough and prepare any number of baked goods. We then removed the bifold pantry doors and created custom built-ins with plenty of usable storage for all their cooking and baking needs.
The client wanted a big change to the dining room but still wanted to use their own furniture and rug. We installed a toile-like wallpaper on the top half of the room and supported it with white wainscot paneling. We also changed out the light fixture, showing us once again that small changes can have a big impact.
As the final touch, we also re-did the powder room to be in line with the rest of the first floor. We had the new vanity painted in the same oyster color as the kitchen cabinets and then covered the walls in a whimsical patterned wallpaper. Although the homeowners like subtle neutral colors they were willing to go a bit bold in the powder room for something unexpected. For more design inspiration go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

Original kitchen was gutted and the layout changed. A large bay window was added to give more space and add light.
Custom rift wood cabinets were designed and a custom paint applied in a soft strie pattern. Concrete counter tops added a contemporary feel. A light grey was used for the center island over the dark cabinetry and a darker grey concrete counter was used for the perimeter cabinets. Concrete is very versatile, seams are reduced, color can be any paint choice, and the material is very stain resistant with very little maintenance.
The client wanted a pop of red- so we had an auto body shop apply 16 coats of red paint to the new Best Hood.

This residence was a complete gut renovation of a 4-story row house in Park Slope, and included a new rear extension and penthouse addition. The owners wished to create a warm, family home using a modern language that would act as a clean canvas to feature rich textiles and items from their world travels. As with most Brooklyn row houses, the existing house suffered from a lack of natural light and connection to exterior spaces, an issue that Principal Brendan Coburn is acutely aware of from his experience re-imagining historic structures in the New York area. The resulting architecture is designed around moments featuring natural light and views to the exterior, of both the private garden and the sky, throughout the house, and a stripped-down language of detailing and finishes allows for the concept of the modern-natural to shine.
Upon entering the home, the kitchen and dining space draw you in with views beyond through the large glazed opening at the rear of the house. An extension was built to allow for a large sunken living room that provides a family gathering space connected to the kitchen and dining room, but remains distinctly separate, with a strong visual connection to the rear garden. The open sculptural stair tower was designed to function like that of a traditional row house stair, but with a smaller footprint. By extending it up past the original roof level into the new penthouse, the stair becomes an atmospheric shaft for the spaces surrounding the core. All types of weather – sunshine, rain, lightning, can be sensed throughout the home through this unifying vertical environment. The stair space also strives to foster family communication, making open living spaces visible between floors. At the upper-most level, a free-form bench sits suspended over the stair, just by the new roof deck, which provides at-ease entertaining. Oak was used throughout the home as a unifying material element. As one travels upwards within the house, the oak finishes are bleached to further degrees as a nod to how light enters the home.
The owners worked with CWB to add their own personality to the project. The meter of a white oak and blackened steel stair screen was designed by the family to read “I love you” in Morse Code, and tile was selected throughout to reference places that hold special significance to the family. To support the owners’ comfort, the architectural design engages passive house technologies to reduce energy use, while increasing air quality within the home – a strategy which aims to respect the environment while providing a refuge from the harsh elements of urban living.
This project was published by Wendy Goodman as her Space of the Week, part of New York Magazine’s Design Hunting on The Cut.
Photography by Kevin Kunstadt

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.

Creating this open airy master retreat involved removing a space consuming corner W.C. and an awkwardly deep linen closet. Using tall glass panels to separate the shower and toilet gives privacy while maintaining the newly acquired spaciousness. The glass panels transition from frosted around the toilet to clear around the roomy barrier free shower. By reducing the original closet opening, we gained necessary wall space for a modern freestanding tub. Tall cabinets provide plenty of storage space for linens and toiletries. A pair of pull-out cabinets – one on each side of the sink – conceal convenient grooming stations. An extra wide sink can easily accommodate two and still leaves plenty of counterspace on either side. The large mirror is mounted to a shallow framework concealing recessed lighting and softly illuminating the wall behind. The faucets and hand-held shower feature a knurled detail lending a bit of biker industrial to the modern surroundings. Access to the walk-in-closet is through a clean open doorway, while a wide modern style barn door slides open on the master bedroom side.
Photo credit: Fred Donham of Photographerlink

Maintaining a pest-free home requires attention throughout the year. Seasonal changes affect pest behavior, and understanding these patterns can save homeowners from costly damage and health hazards. In this guide, we will explore practical strategies for spring pest prevention tips, ensuring your property stays protected through every season. From spotting early signs to implementing proactive measures, these steps empower homeowners to take control before infestations occur.
Understanding Seasonal Pest Patterns
Pests adapt to changing weather, and knowing their patterns helps prevent infestations effectively.
Spring: Awakening Pests
Spring signals the end of winter dormancy for many pests. Rodents, ants, and termites start seeking food and warmth. Effective spring pest prevention tips include:
● Cleaning gutters and removing debris
● Sealing cracks and gaps in exterior walls
● Inspecting wood piles and compost areas
● Monitoring early signs of termite activity
Pro Tip: Conduct a termite inspection or a professional evaluation to catch infestations early before they spread.
Summer: Peak Pest Season
Warm temperatures accelerate pest breeding cycles. For a comprehensive summer pest prevention guide:
● Maintain lawns and trim vegetation away from homes
● Check window and door screens for tears
● Store food in sealed containers
● Inspect water sources that attract mosquitoes
Do You Know? Mosquitoes can lay eggs in a teaspoon of water. Eliminating stagnant water is crucial to reducing their population.
Fall: Preparing for Winter
As temperatures drop, pests search for warm indoor spaces. Key actions include:
● Inspecting for winter rodent entry points
● Sealing attic vents, crawl spaces, and foundation gaps
● Cleaning storage areas to minimize hiding spots
● Checking chimney and fireplace openings
Quick Fact: Rodents can enter homes through openings as small as ¼ inch.
Seasonal Pest Checklist for Homeowners
Creating a structured seasonal pest checklist simplifies preventive measures and ensures nothing is overlooked.
Season
Key Actions
Spring
Inspect for termites, seal exterior gaps, clean gutters, and check compost
Summer
Repair screens, trim vegetation, remove standing water, and secure food
Fall
Seal entry points, inspect attic/crawlspace, clear debris, and prepare storage
Winter
Monitor indoor activity, keep firewood away from walls, and maintain traps
Inspection & Maintenance Tips
● Schedule annual pest inspections by professional Virginia pest control consultation to detect hidden problems
● Keep a log of pest sightings and treatment dates
● Regularly replace weather stripping and caulk cracks
Note: Even small preventive steps, when consistently applied, drastically reduce infestations.
Common Pests and Their Seasonal Behaviors
Understanding how different pests behave each season helps homeowners take timely action to protect their property.
● Ants and Termites: Ants emerge in spring seeking food, while termites become active and can damage wood unnoticed. Early detection is critical.
● Rodents and Mice: Fall and winter increase rodent intrusions. Block all entry points and keep food sealed.
● Mosquitoes and Flies: Summer creates the ideal breeding environment for mosquitoes. Eliminate standing water and use physical barriers like nets.
● Spiders and Other Insects: Seasonal shifts cause spiders to move indoors. Regular vacuuming and decluttering reduce hiding spots.
Eco-Friendly Prevention Methods
● Use natural repellents like peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth
● Encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to reduce pest populations
● Plant pest-deterring plants near home boundaries, like marigolds or lavender
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Adopt an IPM approach by combining physical barriers, monitoring, and environmentally safe treatments. This minimizes chemical use while maintaining a pest-free home.
Quote: “Prevention is the most effective form of pest control.” – National Pest Management Association
Seasonal Pest Prevention Tools
● Snap traps and humane rodent traps
● Sticky traps for insects
● Outdoor perimeter sprays (eco-friendly)
● Moisture meters to detect early termite or mold problems
Pro Tip: Keep tools organized and accessible to act quickly when pest activity is noticed.
Planning: Annual Pest Calendar
Month
Recommended Action
March-April
Spring pest prevention tips: Inspect, seal, clean gutters
June-July
Summer pest prevention guide: Screens, standing water, food storage
September
Seasonal pest checklist: Seal entries, declutter, prep storage
November
Winter rodent entry points: Monitor indoors, maintain traps
Key Takeaways
● Seasonal awareness prevents infestations and property damage
● Consistent inspections and maintenance are essential
● Simple eco-friendly measures can significantly reduce pests
● Use a structured checklist and calendar for effective prevention
Conclusion
Homeowners who stay proactive and follow spring pest prevention tips, along with year-round monitoring, ensure their properties remain safe and comfortable. Using a summer pest prevention guide, checking winter rodent entry points, and maintaining a seasonal pest checklist ensure your home remains safe and comfortable. Remember to combine inspections, physical barriers, and environmentally friendly methods for the best results.
FAQs
Q1: How often should I perform a termite inspection?
A1: Conduct inspections annually, especially in spring, to detect early signs of termite activity and prevent extensive damage.
Q2: Can pests enter my home during winter?
A2: Yes, rodents and insects seek warmth and shelter indoors. Sealing entry points and monitoring for activity is crucial.
Q3: What is the most effective eco-friendly method for pest prevention?
A3: Using natural repellents, encouraging beneficial insects, and eliminating water sources effectively reduces pest populations without chemicals.
Ensure your home is ready for every season. Schedule a professional Virginia pest control consultation or a termite inspection in Suffolk, VA, today and stay ahead of potential infestations.

Inspiration for a large transitional master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, orange floor, double-sink and vaulted ceiling double shower remodel in Seattle with light wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops, a niche, a floating vanity and shaker cabinets

The homeowners chose GAF’s Timberline HDZ Shingles in the color, Charcoal. As an Award-Winning GAF MasterElite Contractor, we provide a factory-registered, 50 Year, Non-Prorated, Transferable Roof Warranty! With GAF’s LayerLock and Advanced Protection Shingle Technology, you can depend on your roof to withstand harsh weather conditions. StainGuard Protection helps prevent unsightly algae on your roof and DuraGrip adhesive keeps shingles locked in place to reduce the risk of shingle blow-off. Additionally, GAF offers a wide variety of shingle color blends and styles to suit your home’s style. Choose from shades of gray, brown or make a statement with bold colors such as Hunter Green, Patriot Red, or Biscayne Blue. Explore different roof shingle colors and styles with GAF’s Virtual Remodeler – you can see which roofing, siding, and accent colors look best together with the tap of a finger or click of a mouse! GAF’s Timberline Roofing shingles are America’s #1 shingle because they provide both peace of mind and exceptional quality at a fair price.

This deck was designed with cooking and entertaining in mind. The dual burner cooktop, 36" wide grill and storage provide plenty of cooking and staging space. The dining table niche, mobile island with seating and additional space allows enough table/chair space for seating 30+ people. By separating the beverage station from the cooking area, the deck encourages guests to circulate through the space (and reduced installation costs by tapping into the house main kitchen sink plumbing located on the other side of the exterior wall).
The mobile island, with it's cantilevered countertop is perfectly stable despite the 225 pound countertop slab. This was achieved with a ballast inside the box combined with the industrial casters that allow the wheels to be pumped up off the deck, providing solid footing for the island.

Explore this thoughtfully designed mudroom and laundry room sanctuary that is filled with both functionality and personality.
On the mudroom side, there is personalized organization for every member of the household. Thoughtfully integrated divided shoe shelves beneath a cozy boot bench, along with open storage perfectly sized for decorative baskets, and decorative coat hooks ensure every essential from seasonal accessories to everyday items (i.e. gloves, hats, scarves, shoes, jackets, etc.) has its designated place. Overhead, elegant closed storage conceals and organizes, maintaining a pristine aesthetic that endures.
On the laundry room side, experience the ultimate in ergonomic design with raised washer and dryers, seamlessly integrated for effortless access and reduced strain and bending. Below the machines, a locking roll-out shelf glides out smoothly creating a perfectly positioned platform to set a laundry basket at an easy-to-reach height for loading and unloading. All designed to transforming loading and unloading the washer and dryer into a seamless, comfortable task.
Design by Cedar Design Build, Minnesota. Architectural Design by Becky Watson of Niche Design.
Cabinetry and mudroom lockers featuring Dura Supreme Cabinetry’s Reese Inset skinny shaker door style in an Evergreen Fog painted finish with accents of Natural Cherry wood.
Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet:
https://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochures/
Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today:
https://www.durasupreme.com/find-a-showroom/
Want to become a Dura Supreme Dealer? Go to:
https://www.durasupreme.com/become-a-dealer/

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood.
INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site.
EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot.
THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place.
HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde.
YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting.
ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements.
RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage.
OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet.
ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer
Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor
Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering
Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design
Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings
Eric Roth Photography - Photography

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.

Creating this open airy master retreat involved removing a space consuming corner W.C. and an awkwardly deep linen closet. Using tall glass panels to separate the shower and toilet gives privacy while maintaining the newly acquired spaciousness. The glass panels transition from frosted around the toilet to clear around the roomy barrier free shower. By reducing the original closet opening, we gained necessary wall space for a modern freestanding tub. Tall cabinets provide plenty of storage space for linens and toiletries. A pair of pull-out cabinets – one on each side of the sink – conceal convenient grooming stations. An extra wide sink can easily accommodate two and still leaves plenty of counterspace on either side. The large mirror is mounted to a shallow framework concealing recessed lighting and softly illuminating the wall behind. The faucets and hand-held shower feature a knurled detail lending a bit of biker industrial to the modern surroundings. Access to the walk-in-closet is through a clean open doorway, while a wide modern style barn door slides open on the master bedroom side.
Photo credit: Fred Donham of Photographerlink
35

