Intus Windows: Arcade, triple pane windows, STC40/OITC35 The low solar heat gain coefficient of Intus' Eforte glazing, combined with the low U-values, and reduced heating and cooling significantly decrease energy costs for this public charter school. According to the general contractor, MCN Build,, the cost of the Intus system was 30% less than the alternative aluminum double-pane system. Intus' solutions saved the builder on material costs, and more importantly, as much as $300,000.00 dollars and 49,000.00 estimated saving in energy consumption a year for Capital City Public Charter school!

Intus Windows: Arcade, triple pane windows, STC40/OITC35 The low solar heat gain coefficient of Intus' Eforte glazing, combined with the low U-values, and reduced heating and cooling significantly decrease energy costs for this public charter school. According to the general contractor, MCN Build,, the cost of the Intus system was 30% less than the alternative aluminum double-pane system. Intus' solutions saved the builder on material costs, and more importantly, as much as $300,000.00 dollars and 49,000.00 estimated saving in energy consumption a year for Capital City Public Charter school!

Intus Windows: Arcade, triple pane windows, STC40/OITC35 The low solar heat gain coefficient of Intus' Eforte glazing, combined with the low U-values, and reduced heating and cooling significantly decrease energy costs for this public charter school. According to the general contractor, MCN Build,, the cost of the Intus system was 30% less than the alternative aluminum double-pane system. Intus' solutions saved the builder on material costs, and more importantly, as much as $300,000.00 dollars and 49,000.00 estimated saving in energy consumption a year for Capital City Public Charter school!

Intus Windows: Arcade, triple pane windows, STC40/OITC35 The low solar heat gain coefficient of Intus' Eforte glazing, combined with the low U-values, and reduced heating and cooling significantly decrease energy costs for this public charter school. According to the general contractor, MCN Build,, the cost of the Intus system was 30% less than the alternative aluminum double-pane system. Intus' solutions saved the builder on material costs, and more importantly, as much as $300,000.00 dollars and 49,000.00 estimated saving in energy consumption a year for Capital City Public Charter school!

Intus Windows: Arcade, triple pane windows, STC40/OITC35 The low solar heat gain coefficient of Intus' Eforte glazing, combined with the low U-values, and reduced heating and cooling significantly decrease energy costs for this public charter school. According to the general contractor, MCN Build,, the cost of the Intus system was 30% less than the alternative aluminum double-pane system. Intus' solutions saved the builder on material costs, and more importantly, as much as $300,000.00 dollars and 49,000.00 estimated saving in energy consumption a year for Capital City Public Charter school!

Intus Windows: Arcade, triple pane windows, STC40/OITC35 The low solar heat gain coefficient of Intus' Eforte glazing, combined with the low U-values, and reduced heating and cooling significantly decrease energy costs for this public charter school. According to the general contractor, MCN Build,, the cost of the Intus system was 30% less than the alternative aluminum double-pane system. Intus' solutions saved the builder on material costs, and more importantly, as much as $300,000.00 dollars and 49,000.00 estimated saving in energy consumption a year for Capital City Public Charter school!

Intus Windows: Arcade, triple pane windows, STC40/OITC35 The low solar heat gain coefficient of Intus' Eforte glazing, combined with the low U-values, and reduced heating and cooling significantly decrease energy costs for this public charter school. According to the general contractor, MCN Build,, the cost of the Intus system was 30% less than the alternative aluminum double-pane system. Intus' solutions saved the builder on material costs, and more importantly, as much as $300,000.00 dollars and 49,000.00 estimated saving in energy consumption a year for Capital City Public Charter school!

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

This modern homes program was influenced by CCR’s understanding of Organic Architecture as it specifically influences form and function. The conceptual layout for this owner’s program of spaces was organized to maximize the home’s use as a place to entertain folks over periods of time exceeding just a day or evening visit. It was understood that guests must feel comfortable for a weekend or more. The balance of large, open public areas and more intimately scaled, private spaces was utilized and considered a success by both the owner’s family and friends. An additional program requirement was to use sustainable systems and practices to reduce monthly operating costs for this large home. CCR’s knowledge of passive and active systems was leveraged to find a project specific solution to maximize energy efficiency.

David Duncan Livingston
Inspiration for a contemporary bedroom remodel in San Francisco

The owners requested that their home harmonize with the spirit of the surrounding Colorado mountain setting and enhance their outdoor recreational lifestyle - while reflecting their contemporary architectural tastes. The site was burdened with a myriad of strict design criteria enforced by the neighborhood covenants and architectural review board. Creating a distinct design challenge, the covenants included a narrow interpretation of a “mountain style” home which established predetermined roof pitches, glazing percentages and material palettes - at direct odds with the client‘s vision of a flat-roofed, glass, “contemporary” home. Our solution finds inspiration and opportunities within the site covenant’s strict definitions. It promotes and celebrates the client’s outdoor lifestyle and resolves the definition of a contemporary “mountain style” home by reducing the architecture to its most basic vernacular forms and relying upon local materials. The home utilizes a simple base, middle and top that echoes the surrounding mountains and vegetation. The massing takes its cues from the prevalent lodgepole pine trees that grow at the mountain’s high altitudes. These pine trees have a distinct growth pattern, highlighted by a single vertical trunk and a peaked, densely foliated growth zone above a sparse base. This growth pattern is referenced by placing the wood-clad body of the home at the second story above an open base composed of wood posts and glass. A simple peaked roof rests lightly atop the home - visually floating above a triangular glass transom. The home itself is neatly inserted amongst an existing grove of lodgepole pines and oriented to take advantage of panoramic views of the adjacent meadow and Continental Divide beyond. The main functions of the house are arranged into public and private areas and this division is made apparent on the home’s exterior. Two large roof forms, clad in pre-patinated zinc, are separated by a sheltering central deck - which signals the main entry to the home. At this connection, the roof deck is opened to allow a cluster of aspen trees to grow – further reinforcing nature as an integral part of arrival. Outdoor living spaces are provided on all levels of the house and are positioned to take advantage of sunrise and sunset moments. The distinction between interior and exterior space is blurred via the use of large expanses of glass. The dry stacked stone base and natural cedar cladding both reappear within the home’s interior spaces. This home offers a unique solution to the client’s requests while satisfying the design requirements of the neighborhood covenants. The house provides a variety of indoor and outdoor living spaces that can be utilized in all seasons. Most importantly, the house takes its cues directly from its natural surroundings and local building traditions to become a prototype solution for the “modern mountain house”. Overview Ranch Creek Ranch Winter Park, Colorado Completion Date October, 2007 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

In a world where environmental concerns have reached a critical juncture, the need for eco-conscious living has never been more pressing. Ameen Salous, a visionary leader and a prominent advocate for sustainability, stands as a shining example of how individuals can adopt a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle. This article will delve into the eco-conscious lifestyle of Ameen Salous, exploring seven practical tips that can inspire anyone to embark on their journey towards a more sustainable way of living. Introduction: Ameen Salous - A Visionary Champion of Sustainability Ameen Salous is a name synonymous with innovation, but his influence extends far beyond technological advancements. His commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is a core facet of his identity. Ameen's eco-conscious lifestyle serves as a beacon of hope in a world grappling with the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation. As we explore his approach to green living, we can glean valuable insights into how each of us can make a positive impact on the planet. 1. Embrace Renewable Energy Sources One of the cornerstones of Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle is his unwavering support for renewable energy sources. He recognizes the vital role these sources play in reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating climate change. Ameen's advocacy for renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, is not only inspiring but also serves as a practical example for individuals looking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Actionable Tip: Consider installing solar panels on your property, invest in energy-efficient appliances, and explore green energy options provided by your utility company. 2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle The mantra of "reduce, reuse, recycle" has become a fundamental principle of eco-conscious living, and Ameen Salous is a staunch advocate for this approach. He emphasizes the importance of minimizing waste and finding creative ways to repurpose items rather than sending them to landfills. By adopting this mindset, Ameen has significantly reduced his environmental footprint. Actionable Tip: Practice responsible waste management by recycling paper, plastics, and glass. Also, look for ways to upcycle or repurpose items you no longer need. 3. Sustainable Transportation Choices Ameen Salous is a proponent of sustainable transportation methods. He recognizes that the transportation sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce his impact, he promotes eco-friendly alternatives such as electric vehicles, public transit, and carpooling. Ameen's choice to drive electric vehicles reflects his commitment to reducing air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. Actionable Tip: Consider switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle, use public transportation when possible, and explore options for carpooling or ridesharing to reduce your carbon footprint. 4. Support Sustainable Agriculture Ameen Salous is acutely aware of the environmental impact of our food choices. He advocates for supporting sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming and locally sourced produce. Ameen's commitment to a plant-based diet further reduces his carbon footprint, as plant-based diets generally have a lower environmental impact compared to diets heavy in animal products. Actionable Tip: Incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, buy locally grown and organic produce when available, and consider starting a small garden to grow your own vegetables and herbs. 5. Conserve Water Water conservation is another key aspect of Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle. He understands the importance of preserving this precious resource in the face of increasing water scarcity worldwide. Ameen's commitment to water conservation includes installing water-saving fixtures, fixing leaks promptly, and minimizing water usage in everyday activities. Actionable Tip: Install low-flow showerheads and faucets, fix any leaks in your plumbing, collect rainwater for outdoor use, and be mindful of water usage when doing everyday tasks like washing dishes or doing laundry. 6. Opt for Sustainable Home Design Ameen Salous's commitment to an eco-conscious lifestyle extends to his home. He believes that sustainable home design can significantly reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. Ameen has incorporated features such as energy-efficient insulation, LED lighting, and smart thermostats into his home to increase its energy efficiency. Actionable Tip: Consider making energy-efficient upgrades to your home, such as adding insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, and using programmable thermostats to reduce energy consumption. 7. Environmental Advocacy and Education Perhaps one of the most impactful aspects of Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle is his dedication to environmental advocacy and education. He recognizes that raising awareness and inspiring others to take action are essential steps in addressing environmental challenges. Ameen actively engages with his community and the broader public to promote sustainable living practices and advocate for policies that protect the environment. Actionable Tip: Get involved in environmental advocacy in your community, participate in local clean-up events, and educate yourself and others about the importance of sustainable living. Conclusion: Ameen Salous's Green Living Legacy Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle serves as a testament to the power of individual actions in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. His commitment to sustainability, renewable energy, and responsible consumption inspires us all to make more environmentally conscious choices in our daily lives. By embracing these seven tips for going green, we can follow in the footsteps of Ameen Salous and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for our planet.

Oliver Irwin Photography www.oliveriphoto.com Park Lane Residence is a single family house designed in a unique, northwest modern style. The goal of the project is to create a space that allows the family to entertain their guests in a welcoming one-of-a-kind environment. Uptic Studios took into consideration the relation between the exterior and interior spaces creating a smooth transition with an open concept design and celebrating the natural environment. The Clean geometry and contrast in materials creates an integrative design that is both artistic, functional and in harmony with its surroundings. Uptic Studios provided the privacy needed, while also opening the space to the surrounding environment with large floor to ceiling windows. The large overhangs and trellises reduce solar exposure in the summer, while provides protection from the elements and letting in daylight in the winter. The crisp hardwood, metal and stone blends the exterior with the beautiful surrounding nature.

Based on French country styling, this kitchen offers contrasts between light and dark while maintaining an wide-open aesthetic. A custom designed wood hood with integrated storage, hutch with glass doors and carved details, open shelves and detailed crown assembly lend a unique appeal to the space. We used an integrated Sub-Zero refrigerator and hid the microwave behind cabinet doors to reduce the visual impact of the appliances. A bow front set of drawers is the highlight on the public side of the island and a farmhouse style sink accents the working side. Another unique feature of this kitchen is the specialty imported Iroko wood butcher-block counter in an oiled finish. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry

Located on the front lines of a public beach walkway, this elegant artist residence layers public and private spaces in order to dynamically connect one’s lifestyle with the regenerative power of nature. The material language shifts between glass, oak, and stone as it explores concepts of porosity, translucence,and privacy. One of the home’s most notable elements is the strategic removal of living square footage to create a spa courtyard on the third level. Tucked away behind a terracotta screen and surrounded by lush vegetation on all sides, the spa acts as a private oasis in the heart of the home for reflection and reconnection. Despite rigid parameters, the home packs cutting edge engineering and design techniques into every centimeter of space. The result is a razor thin roof and floor plane delicately balanced atop massive stone walls. By reducing the density of these elements both above and below, the architecture is able to breathe and expand into its unobstructed views of the ocean and breathtaking sunsets.

Located on the front lines of a public beach walkway, this elegant artist residence layers public and private spaces in order to dynamically connect one’s lifestyle with the regenerative power of nature. The material language shifts between glass, oak, and stone as it explores concepts of porosity, translucence,and privacy. One of the home’s most notable elements is the strategic removal of living square footage to create a spa courtyard on the third level. Tucked away behind a terracotta screen and surrounded by lush vegetation on all sides, the spa acts as a private oasis in the heart of the home for reflection and reconnection. Despite rigid parameters, the home packs cutting edge engineering and design techniques into every centimeter of space. The result is a razor thin roof and floor plane delicately balanced atop massive stone walls. By reducing the density of these elements both above and below, the architecture is able to breathe and expand into its unobstructed views of the ocean and breathtaking sunsets.

Located on the front lines of a public beach walkway, this elegant artist residence layers public and private spaces in order to dynamically connect one’s lifestyle with the regenerative power of nature. The material language shifts between glass, oak, and stone as it explores concepts of porosity, translucence,and privacy. One of the home’s most notable elements is the strategic removal of living square footage to create a spa courtyard on the third level. Tucked away behind a terracotta screen and surrounded by lush vegetation on all sides, the spa acts as a private oasis in the heart of the home for reflection and reconnection. Despite rigid parameters, the home packs cutting edge engineering and design techniques into every centimeter of space. The result is a razor thin roof and floor plane delicately balanced atop massive stone walls. By reducing the density of these elements both above and below, the architecture is able to breathe and expand into its unobstructed views of the ocean and breathtaking sunsets.

Located on the front lines of a public beach walkway, this elegant artist residence layers public and private spaces in order to dynamically connect one’s lifestyle with the regenerative power of nature. The material language shifts between glass, oak, and stone as it explores concepts of porosity, translucence,and privacy. One of the home’s most notable elements is the strategic removal of living square footage to create a spa courtyard on the third level. Tucked away behind a terracotta screen and surrounded by lush vegetation on all sides, the spa acts as a private oasis in the heart of the home for reflection and reconnection. Despite rigid parameters, the home packs cutting edge engineering and design techniques into every centimeter of space. The result is a razor thin roof and floor plane delicately balanced atop massive stone walls. By reducing the density of these elements both above and below, the architecture is able to breathe and expand into its unobstructed views of the ocean and breathtaking sunsets.

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.