Custom frosted film on glass front door Sun Control of Minnesota is a family owned and operated business that offers Professional Window Tinting Services. We first started out in one office with two part time installers, and we have now grown our business with over 15 employees badge-1980and four different locations in the metro area. We continue to expand our relationships with customers, as well as our service and quality of work. We offer a complete line of Window Tinting services for Automotive, Commercial, Residential, & Marine applications. Our products include Decorative Frost Films, for glass enhancement; Safety/ Security Films, for Anti-Theft and Blast Protection; and 3M Paint Protection Film, for Automotive Rock Chip Prevention. We focus on helping our customers reduce damaging UV rays, excessive solar heat gain, and glare from their interior spaces. UV rays, solar heat, and visible light are the main contributors to fading concerns in homes. Window Film reduces these elements to provide a beautiful view without having to close out the natural sunlight with a shade or blind. We provide the quality that competitors can’t even touch. Our Mission is to Provide the Highest Quality Service, Products, and Installation in the Solar Energy Control Tint & Glass Film industry.

Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. A large sunny and workable kitchen for a hungry and busy family .Tons of counters, cabinets and charm

Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. Expansive bathroom with luxurious fittings Freestanding tub glass enclosed shower and double vanity. The toilet is hidden away in the water closet to the right

Powder room filled with quality materials and rustic charm Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

A 20" rain shower head was wall mounted to provide the luxury without the added expense of plumbing the ceiling. A multi-function handheld shower head on a vertical slide bar is operated by a single handle shower control for the two features, bringing a spa-worthy shower experience home! Photo: Rebecca Quandt

Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. Hand fabricated barn doors create a clean and modern twist to compliment this homes historic charm

This historic home in Oak Park was in need of updating, with deferred maintenance inside and out requiring extensive work. This created an opportunity to rethink the house for a modern family in the 21st century, with an updated plan, a strong connection to the yard from the kitchen and new mudroom, covered patio, and flexible rooms for work-at-home, gym, or guest functions. The insulation and mechanical systems were upgraded to Phius levels, and a solar PV array added to meet annual net zero energy performance. With minimal upfront energy expenditure, the home’s operational carbon was reduced by 100%, and the house is a delightful place for the young family to grow into.

Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. A large sunny and workable kitchen for a hungry and busy family .

Van Auken Akins Architects LLC designed and facilitated the interior renovation of a Downtown Cleveland office. VAA utilized environmentally conscious and recycled materials wherever possible in an effort to be more sustainable as well as increase environmental awareness, make the space energy efficient, reduce operating costs, waste management and improve indoor air quality. The client maintains a substantial blue chip art collection which helped guide the vision as well. An interior stair provides access between the two floors and opens up the space. There are cultural and generational shifts which also play into our design approach as employee ratios are changing. The space was designed for flexibility and to account for growth and the evolution of technology. We have incorporated flexible rooms and war rooms as well. Natural light, transparencies and lighter colors open up the space and are timeless.

Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. This classic Connecticut home was bought by a growing family. The house was in an ideal location but needed to be expanded. Design Builders & Remodeling almost doubled the square footage of the home. Creating a new sunny and spacious master bedroom, new guestroom, laundry room, garage, kids bathroom, expanded and renovated the kitchen, family room, and playroom. The upgrades and addition is seamlessly and thoughtfully integrated to the original footprint.

Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. A transformed basement kitchen accessed from the pool, offers ease of entertaining

Made to measure eyelet curtains are customizable curtains that offer a perfect fit for your windows. These curtains are tailored to your specific window dimensions, ensuring a seamless and precise look. The eyelet header adds a touch of elegance and allows for easy hanging and smooth operation. Made to measure eyelet curtains provide several advantages. They offer excellent light control, blocking out unwanted light and creating a dark and cozy environment, ideal for privacy and a good night's sleep. The thick fabric of these curtains adds insulation, helping to regulate the temperature and reduce energy consumption. With a star pattern embroidered on stripes chenille fabric, these curtains can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your room.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

The Generation 4 Difference In addition to offering the smoothest operation and slimmest frames in the market, Generation 4 window systems are engineered to withstand the harshest weather conditions, ensuring your home remains comfortable and protected year-round. Featuring continuous seals within each panel frame, these systems offer exceptional performance against air and water infiltration. The standard for every window system is two levels of insulating thermal breaks that provide superior protection from heat and cold, enhancing energy efficiency. The dry-glazed double or triple insulated glass options further bolster thermal performance while ensuring controlled drainage. In addition to weather protection, these energy-efficient tilt turn windows and fixed glass windows contribute to reduced energy costs in the long run.

This historic home in Oak Park was in need of updating, with deferred maintenance inside and out requiring extensive work. This created an opportunity to rethink the house for a modern family in the 21st century, with an updated plan, a strong connection to the yard from the kitchen and new mudroom, covered patio, and flexible rooms for work-at-home, gym, or guest functions. The insulation and mechanical systems were upgraded to Phius levels, and a solar PV array added to meet annual net zero energy performance. With minimal upfront energy expenditure, the home’s operational carbon was reduced by 100%, and the house is a delightful place for the young family to grow into.

Koondoola Community Centre Project Year: 2016 Project Cost: $ 4M Country: Australia AIA Awards Finalist, this development consists of a new community centre and upgrade of a local AFL oval, tennis courts, floodlights, and new sports amenities. The community centre buildings form around existing native trees to avoid cutting. The facilities provide an innovative environmentally sustainable development focusing on passive climate control, longevity, low maintenance costs, and low energy/water consumption. The buildings function as a live organism: they breathe in and out with automatic sensor-controlled louvres around the building fabrics interconnected to the air conditioning system through a smart control hub. This results in natural airflow, temperature control, and significantly reduced need for the use of air conditioners. All materials are naturally exposed both internally and externally with no touch up finishes, resulting in a significant reduction in capital costs and operational costs.

Koondoola Community Centre Project Year: 2016 Project Cost: $ 4M Country: Australia AIA Awards Finalist, this development consists of a new community centre and upgrade of a local AFL oval, tennis courts, floodlights, and new sports amenities. The community centre buildings form around existing native trees to avoid cutting. The facilities provide an innovative environmentally sustainable development focusing on passive climate control, longevity, low maintenance costs, and low energy/water consumption. The buildings function as a live organism: they breathe in and out with automatic sensor-controlled louvres around the building fabrics interconnected to the air conditioning system through a smart control hub. This results in natural airflow, temperature control, and significantly reduced need for the use of air conditioners. All materials are naturally exposed both internally and externally with no touch up finishes, resulting in a significant reduction in capital costs and operational costs.

Koondoola Community Centre Project Year: 2016 Project Cost: $ 4M Country: Australia AIA Awards Finalist, this development consists of a new community centre and upgrade of a local AFL oval, tennis courts, floodlights, and new sports amenities. The community centre buildings form around existing native trees to avoid cutting. The facilities provide an innovative environmentally sustainable development focusing on passive climate control, longevity, low maintenance costs, and low energy/water consumption. The buildings function as a live organism: they breathe in and out with automatic sensor-controlled louvres around the building fabrics interconnected to the air conditioning system through a smart control hub. This results in natural airflow, temperature control, and significantly reduced need for the use of air conditioners. All materials are naturally exposed both internally and externally with no touch up finishes, resulting in a significant reduction in capital costs and operational costs.