Elegant and energy efficient. This bathroom was part of a Net Zero Ready home that we recently built. Net Zero homes produce as much energy as they consume and are 80% more efficient than current homes built to code. To help reduce energy consumption in this bathroom, we installed low flow fixtures, LED lights in the mirrors and an ERV (energy recovery ventilator). Because less energy is required to lower the temperature of dry air compared to moist air, an ERV can reduce the work your air conditioner needs to do and save you money. It also brings in fresh air flow and help with humidity levels, improving overall health and air quality. Another great feature of this bathroom is the shower which has a large clear glass window. This allows for direct sunlight from the window to access the shower, while the patterned glass on the bathroom/vanity side still provides a level of privacy for the user. We’re certain that these clients will be enjoying many sunny mornings in this oasis.

Elegant and energy efficient. This bathroom was part of a Net Zero Ready home that we recently built. Net Zero homes produce as much energy as they consume and are 80% more efficient than current homes built to code. To help reduce energy consumption in this bathroom, we installed low flow fixtures, LED lights in the mirrors and an ERV (energy recovery ventilator). Because less energy is required to lower the temperature of dry air compared to moist air, an ERV can reduce the work your air conditioner needs to do and save you money. It also brings in fresh air flow and help with humidity levels, improving overall health and air quality. Another great feature of this bathroom is the shower which has a large clear glass window. This allows for direct sunlight from the window to access the shower, while the patterned glass on the bathroom/vanity side still provides a level of privacy for the user. We’re certain that these clients will be enjoying many sunny mornings in this oasis.

Elegant and energy efficient. This bathroom was part of a Net Zero Ready home that we recently built. Net Zero homes produce as much energy as they consume and are 80% more efficient than current homes built to code. To help reduce energy consumption in this bathroom, we installed low flow fixtures, LED lights in the mirrors and an ERV (energy recovery ventilator). Because less energy is required to lower the temperature of dry air compared to moist air, an ERV can reduce the work your air conditioner needs to do and save you money. It also brings in fresh air flow and help with humidity levels, improving overall health and air quality. Another great feature of this bathroom is the shower which has a large clear glass window. This allows for direct sunlight from the window to access the shower, while the patterned glass on the bathroom/vanity side still provides a level of privacy for the user. We’re certain that these clients will be enjoying many sunny mornings in this oasis.

Elegant and energy efficient. This bathroom was part of a Net Zero Ready home that we recently built. Net Zero homes produce as much energy as they consume and are 80% more efficient than current homes built to code. To help reduce energy consumption in this bathroom, we installed low flow fixtures, LED lights in the mirrors and an ERV (energy recovery ventilator). Because less energy is required to lower the temperature of dry air compared to moist air, an ERV can reduce the work your air conditioner needs to do and save you money. It also brings in fresh air flow and help with humidity levels, improving overall health and air quality. Another great feature of this bathroom is the shower which has a large clear glass window. This allows for direct sunlight from the window to access the shower, while the patterned glass on the bathroom/vanity side still provides a level of privacy for the user. We’re certain that these clients will be enjoying many sunny mornings in this oasis.

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Beautiful Landscaping Doesn't Have to Mean High Maintenance Who says a beautiful landscape has to require constant upkeep? For this Houston home, we created a clean, modern xeriscape that delivers year-round curb appeal with minimal maintenance. By combining drought-tolerant plants, decorative river rock, artificial turf accents, and contemporary concrete stepping stones, we transformed the entry into a landscape that's both functional and visually striking. Project Highlights: • Blue agave and prickly pear cactus • Drought-tolerant plant selection • Decorative river rock • Concrete stepping stone pathway • Artificial turf joints • Low-maintenance landscape design • Modern curb appeal Whether you're looking to reduce water usage, eliminate mulch maintenance, or create a more contemporary landscape, xeriscaping is a smart long-term investment. Ready to transform your property? ? Call or Text: 832-230-7277 ? https://landscapedesignhouston.com/contact/ Pro Tip: Using drought-tolerant plants with decorative rock instead of traditional mulch helps reduce maintenance while creating a clean, modern appearance that lasts for years.

Beautiful Landscaping Doesn't Have to Mean High Maintenance Who says a beautiful landscape has to require constant upkeep? For this Houston home, we created a clean, modern xeriscape that delivers year-round curb appeal with minimal maintenance. By combining drought-tolerant plants, decorative river rock, artificial turf accents, and contemporary concrete stepping stones, we transformed the entry into a landscape that's both functional and visually striking. Project Highlights: • Blue agave and prickly pear cactus • Drought-tolerant plant selection • Decorative river rock • Concrete stepping stone pathway • Artificial turf joints • Low-maintenance landscape design • Modern curb appeal Whether you're looking to reduce water usage, eliminate mulch maintenance, or create a more contemporary landscape, xeriscaping is a smart long-term investment. Ready to transform your property? ? Call or Text: 832-230-7277 ? https://landscapedesignhouston.com/contact/ Pro Tip: Using drought-tolerant plants with decorative rock instead of traditional mulch helps reduce maintenance while creating a clean, modern appearance that lasts for years.

Beautiful Landscaping Doesn't Have to Mean High Maintenance Who says a beautiful landscape has to require constant upkeep? For this Houston home, we created a clean, modern xeriscape that delivers year-round curb appeal with minimal maintenance. By combining drought-tolerant plants, decorative river rock, artificial turf accents, and contemporary concrete stepping stones, we transformed the entry into a landscape that's both functional and visually striking. Project Highlights: • Blue agave and prickly pear cactus • Drought-tolerant plant selection • Decorative river rock • Concrete stepping stone pathway • Artificial turf joints • Low-maintenance landscape design • Modern curb appeal Whether you're looking to reduce water usage, eliminate mulch maintenance, or create a more contemporary landscape, xeriscaping is a smart long-term investment. Ready to transform your property? ? Call or Text: 832-230-7277 ? https://landscapedesignhouston.com/contact/ Pro Tip: Using drought-tolerant plants with decorative rock instead of traditional mulch helps reduce maintenance while creating a clean, modern appearance that lasts for years.

This view of the basketball court emphasizes how advanced engineering is integral to our landscape architecture. The high-performance, segmented court surfacing provides excellent grip and reduces noise, making it a functional neighbor for the pool. The building strategy for the high-tension shade sail was complex, requiring engineered footer anchors to withstand North Texas wind loads. This design ensures that intense heat doesn't shorten a family’s game time, providing crucial comfort and safety that directly enhances their outdoor living experience.

A combination of Texas persimmon, Turk’s cap, gulf muhly grass, orange zexmenia, gregg’s mistflower, and wooly stemodia create a soft, lush meadow planting that requires little water and provides habitat for a variety of birds and butterflies. A limited amount of photos were taken because we were having such a good time with the clients!

- Exceeds Air tightness requirements of Passive House at .51 air changes per hour - 53.6 % more efficient than comparable new homes - In-floor heating using Warmboard to provide 16 different floor heating zones for ultimate comfort. - Air conditioning uses 2 Mitsubishi heat pumps that allow for 8 separate cooling zones. - Reduced-carbon lightweight limestone exterior cladding - Large outdoor patio over main floor garage. - Secondary suite for parents to age in place, including elevator for full home accessibility. - Private basement for hosting friends, visiting family, or exchange students

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

Photography: Axial Creative
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal stone front porch remodel in New York with a roof extension

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

No yard is too small for a pool. This “plunge pool,” is fed by a waterfall and is perfect for lounging, staying cool, and listening to the sounds of the woods to relax. A plunge pool is a small, shallow pool built for the purpose of lounging, wading, and cooling off instead of for swimming and exercising. Some homeowners prefer them because of their lower costs to build, smaller sizes, easier maintenance, and reduced water requirements. Photography by John Wiese

Today's city living requires that exterior spaces serve as flexible, multi-purpose outdoor rooms. This patio was designed to suit the client's need for a gathering space, parking and increased privacy. A bluestone patio defined an outdoor dining room and enhanced the existing architectural vocabulary. A structural lawn, capable of bearing the weight of a truck, provided flexible parking. A grape trellis, matched with small evergreen shrubs, increased privacy while native plants were selected to attract birds and butterflies while reducing water use.

Photo: Danielle Sykes © 2016 Houzz
Example of a mid-sized cottage light wood floor kitchen design in Boston with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops and an island

Wing Wong/Memories TTL
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped slate floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, brick backsplash, paneled appliances and a peninsula

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.