Reduce Implement - Photos & Ideas

Originally built in 1972, these eight interlocked residential units and the accompanying House Master’s Residence won an AIA award for their unique spatial complexity, balancing standard units of construction with volumetric interplay, all while bringing natural light into living spaces. However, nearly 40 years later These 1970’s era, interlocked faculty housing units won an AIA award when first completed. They were unique in spatial complexity, By early 2,000’s they were showing signs of age, and had become outdated on many levels. Working with project management for the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, we prepared one prototype design to bring the buildings into the 21st century. New insulated skylights, standing seam metal siding, cedar decks and trellises, exchanging black roofs for well insulated white roofs, were all part of a larger planning program to renovate all nine units. The prototype was implemented in 2012, to great approval and result. In 2013 a few more units were done. In 2014 the “House Masters” unit was done, with the remaining four units planned for future budgets. Sustainable features include re-use of most materials on site, (former siding was able to become sheathing below metal panels), implementing the Stretch Energy Code for insulation, and putting new white roof membranes in place. Using FSC certified wood for decks and trellises, and using Rheinzink siding, a “200 year material” according to the manufacturer. After nearly 40 years, Ronald Gourley’s AIA award winning Faculty Housing (1972) was beginning to show its age – plywood siding was delaminating, wooden decks splintering, and custom windows failing. Therefore, the opportunity to reinvent a piece of Mid-Century Modernism presented itself when two of the building’s eight alternating rooftop designs were to be rebuilt as prototypes for the remainder of the structure. The strength of the original design was its rectilinear and symmetrical arrangement of internal and external spaces, but the difference between the two had become blurred over the decades. New zinc siding, mahogany decking, and stainless steel railings accentuate the defining elements and more clearly articulate the living spaces, breathing new life into the building and reinvigorating the surrounding campus. Furthermore, the renovation also provided a chance to bring the structure up to modern energy standards and help meet Harvard’s lofty environmental goals. Insulation within the ceilings was more than tripled, white TPO roofing reduces the heat island effect, construction waste was minimized by recasting the siding as sheathing, and materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity and ability to be recycled as well. Harvard’s energy standards brought an uncharacteristic level of environmental care to this building. Roof structures are triple insulated, allowing separating interior from exterior in the most thermally efficient manner. North facing triple insulated skylights and white TPO roofing reduces the heat gain, but allows natural light to pour in. Materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity. Zinc, for example, is made of 100% recycled material, and has duration of 200 years. Uncharacteristic levels of environmental care were common on this project.

SouthEnd RowHome Rear Deck

ZeroEnergy Design

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. Photography: Eric Roth Photo

SouthEnd RowHome Main Entry

ZeroEnergy Design

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Heritage Homes of Jacksonville

Swimming laps or relaxing pool side has never looked this good.
Example of a beach style gray two-story wood exterior home design in Jacksonville with a gambrel roof

Episode 1 Design Matters TV Show

Saida Mei

Your country, your province, your city, your neighborhood, your house… What could be more important than the place where your family feels safe and secure? Everything starts from here. No matter which part of the city you live, you always take care of your house, working on upgrades and design. Yes, it could be quite expensive to renovate or re-design your house. The budget could easily exceed thousands and thousands of dollars. However, there is a way to make your house comfortable, modern and fancy while keeping money in your pocket! How? We are here to help and answer this question. We are the team of Design Matters - CANADIAN WEB/TELEVISION SERIES based in Manitoba, produced by RTV Media and features unusual interior design projects. The professional team of the Design Matters - top builders, hosts, interior designers, producers, and filming crew - bring their extraordinary expertise, creativity and reno how-how to completely transform the rooms into a modern family space. The TV/web show helps the customer to: • reduce the renovation budget • develop and implement the concept of the modern interior design • learn useful renovation tips and techniques • find the right materials and tools supplier • prepare the house for the market The show is aired by local cable Shaw Spotlight in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Amazon Prime Video worldwide. All episodes of the show are also available online. The target audience for our show is the following: -builders -construction companies -renovation companies -homeowners -production companies -suppliers -small businesses

Episode 1 Design Matters TV Show

Saida Mei

Episode 1 Design Matters TV Show

Saida Mei

Fitness at Your Fingertips

The Design Studio | MTS Renovations

Basement Development – Fort Sask Fitness The Design Studio | MTS Renovations transformed an unfinished residential basement into a fully functional, home-based fitness gym—Fort Sask. Fitness. This custom-designed space provides an inviting yet high-performance environment tailored for personal training and fitness sessions. Project Scope & Features: Design & Permitting - We prepared concept design layouts that we converted to construction drawings. We prepared and submitted all permitting applications for this home based business and provided client representation through each phase of the project up to and including final occupancy inspection. Space Planning & Layout Optimization – We maximized the existing footprint for optimal functionality, ensuring seamless equipment placement, circulation, and safety. Flooring Selection – We installed durable, shock-absorbing gym flooring to support high-impact training and reduce noise transfer. Lighting & Electrical Upgrades – We enhanced brightness and visibility with LED lighting, strategically placed for an energizing atmosphere. We added dedicated electrical circuits to accommodate specialized fitness equipment. Ventilation & Climate Control – We incorporated efficient HVAC solutions to maintain air quality and temperature for a comfortable workout space. Custom Storage & Organization – We integrated built-in under-stair equipment shelving and storage solutions for weights, resistance bands, and fitness accessories. Aesthetic & Branding Integration – We designed a modern, motivating environment with finishes that align with the Fort Sask. Fitness brand identity. Soundproofing Enhancements – We implemented acoustic treatments to minimize noise impact on the rest of the home. By blending function with design, this basement transformation created a professional-grade fitness space that caters to both personal and client needs—all within the convenience of a residential setting.