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

Roof overhangs were eliminated, which saved expense and brought a crisp, modern appearance to a traditional form, allowing for very careful exterior sealing of roof-to-wall intersections. In lieu of roof overhangs, low pitched, steel roofed canopies provide cover to areas that require it, creating useful outdoor space and breaking up the simple form of the house. The siding and trim are made from inexpensive but long-lasting Maine-milled White Cedar, installed in a reverse board and batten style which allows drainage and airflow behind the boards to extend their life. The siding was also left unfinished to weather to a silver grey, reducing cost, ecological footprint, and the need for future maintenance that paint or solid stain would incur. Exterior and interior surfaces (unfinished wood, galvanized steel, unfinished concrete) were selected to be durable and low-maintenance, minimizing the long term operating costs and future ecological impact of the house.

Jewel Photography
This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in Sacramento.

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

A145 features a specific program for a family whose main requirement was the versatility of the social space, having spaces wholly open and integrated and simultaneously being able to divide them for the comfort of each one of its members. The home is located in the Ayamonte Golf Club and its dividing line with the spring forest in Zapopan, with an East-West orientation, on a land of 1000m2. From an aesthetic point of view, the house was designed based on the spring forest’s primary setting. Special care was taken in the landscape design, integrating species of the region organically. Using natural materials in facades and interiors was a deliberate choice, with the intention that the construction, over the years, would become part of the natural setting and transform along with it. The residence is not just a home but a friend to the environment. It is equipped with solar panels for the house’s daily use and the pool’s heating, reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, it has a water treatment plant, ensuring responsible water usage and management. The interior design style vividly reflects the residents’ personalities. Most of the pieces made in Mexico were designed and manufactured in a contemporary style.

Vistafolia's innovative and flexible Artificial Green Wall design offers real customer value, providing excellent customized solutions for any client requirement. This Seattle roof terrace had a very long, south-facing space with walls clad in metal sheeting, creating an environment too hot and inhospitable for real planting. The limited area coverage was also a big issue, as putting in living plant systems would significantly reduce the floor space and hinder mobility. Our Vistafolia Panels, which can be customized to fit any conceivable dimension, fulfilled the client’s desire to look out to beautiful greenery by creating a simple solution to the problem with our versatile system and design expertise.

A145 features a specific program for a family whose main requirement was the versatility of the social space, having spaces wholly open and integrated and simultaneously being able to divide them for the comfort of each one of its members. The home is located in the Ayamonte Golf Club and its dividing line with the spring forest in Zapopan, with an East-West orientation, on a land of 1000m2. From an aesthetic point of view, the house was designed based on the spring forest’s primary setting. Special care was taken in the landscape design, integrating species of the region organically. Using natural materials in facades and interiors was a deliberate choice, with the intention that the construction, over the years, would become part of the natural setting and transform along with it. The residence is not just a home but a friend to the environment. It is equipped with solar panels for the house’s daily use and the pool’s heating, reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, it has a water treatment plant, ensuring responsible water usage and management. The interior design style vividly reflects the residents’ personalities. Most of the pieces made in Mexico were designed and manufactured in a contemporary style.

Vistafolia's innovative and flexible Artificial Green Wall design offers real customer value, providing excellent customized solutions for any client requirement. This Seattle roof terrace had a very long, south-facing space with walls clad in metal sheeting, creating an environment too hot and inhospitable for real planting. The limited area coverage was also a big issue, as putting in living plant systems would significantly reduce the floor space and hinder mobility. Our Vistafolia Panels, which can be customized to fit any conceivable dimension, fulfilled the client’s desire to look out to beautiful greenery by creating a simple solution to the problem with our versatile system and design expertise.

The goal of the Bridle Path Residence was to create a modern take on the original 1950’s split level and leverage multi-functional spaces to minimize the required square footage and maximize daily use of each space. The result is a 2800 SF 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom residence with a detached 400 SF ADU. Both structures are the result of strategic additional square footage and a bold yet edited material palette. Conservative sleeping quarters are juxtaposed by spacious common living and entertaining areas. Thoughtfully placed windows allow light without sacrificing privacy. The homeowners wanted to maintain the outdoor space but add some breathing room to the interiors. The existing carport was used to add the bulk of the additional space while the footprint on the main house and ADU were extended as minimally as possible to reduce impervious impacts and maintain existing topography. Interior spaces are designed to encourage family time and push activity outside. The process was collaboration in its purest form between architect, client and contractor.

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

This project involved finishing a basement space to create a clean, functional, and comfortable living area. The scope of work included installation of insulation to reduce sound transfer between floors, new drywall installation, recessed lighting, and electrical upgrades with new wiring connected to the main panel. An egress window was installed to meet safety requirements and provide emergency exit access. The installation included cutting the foundation wall, installing the window well, gravel drainage system, and ensuring code compliance. Existing tile flooring was maintained, while walls and ceilings were repaired, textured, and painted. Select areas were finished with decorative stucco to highlight the original brick for a unique design feature. Plumbing lines were adjusted as needed to allow proper drywall installation on the ceiling. The final result is a bright and functional basement space suitable for comfortable daily use.

The ability to slide open patio doors creates a continuous flow of fresh air between the indoors and outdoors. This enhanced ventilation can improve indoor air quality, regulate temperature, and reduce humidity levels. Metal-plastic doors are very low maintenance. They do not require painting or staining, and they can be easily cleaned with soap and water. Glass - double-glazed, see-through, tempered (1/4" thick each). Coating - eco-veneer (pvc). Core - metal-plastic. Type - sliding/ bypass Color - White Silk Total thickness - 1 9/16" Total Frame thickness 2 3/8" Reliable Protection from Dust and Rain Brush seals provide reliable protection against dust and rain entering the room. Ease of Opening Patio doors are easy to open and close thanks to their design, which utilizes special rollers that glide along aluminum tracks. Perfectly Suited for Moderate Climates: Designed to provide optimal performance and comfort in regions with mild weather conditions, ensuring durability and efficiency year-round.

A145 features a specific program for a family whose main requirement was the versatility of the social space, having spaces wholly open and integrated and simultaneously being able to divide them for the comfort of each one of its members. The home is located in the Ayamonte Golf Club and its dividing line with the spring forest in Zapopan, with an East-West orientation, on a land of 1000m2. From an aesthetic point of view, the house was designed based on the spring forest’s primary setting. Special care was taken in the landscape design, integrating species of the region organically. Using natural materials in facades and interiors was a deliberate choice, with the intention that the construction, over the years, would become part of the natural setting and transform along with it. The residence is not just a home but a friend to the environment. It is equipped with solar panels for the house’s daily use and the pool’s heating, reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, it has a water treatment plant, ensuring responsible water usage and management. The interior design style vividly reflects the residents’ personalities. Most of the pieces made in Mexico were designed and manufactured in a contemporary style.

A145 features a specific program for a family whose main requirement was the versatility of the social space, having spaces wholly open and integrated and simultaneously being able to divide them for the comfort of each one of its members. The home is located in the Ayamonte Golf Club and its dividing line with the spring forest in Zapopan, with an East-West orientation, on a land of 1000m2. From an aesthetic point of view, the house was designed based on the spring forest’s primary setting. Special care was taken in the landscape design, integrating species of the region organically. Using natural materials in facades and interiors was a deliberate choice, with the intention that the construction, over the years, would become part of the natural setting and transform along with it. The residence is not just a home but a friend to the environment. It is equipped with solar panels for the house’s daily use and the pool’s heating, reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, it has a water treatment plant, ensuring responsible water usage and management. The interior design style vividly reflects the residents’ personalities. Most of the pieces made in Mexico were designed and manufactured in a contemporary style.

A145 features a specific program for a family whose main requirement was the versatility of the social space, having spaces wholly open and integrated and simultaneously being able to divide them for the comfort of each one of its members. The home is located in the Ayamonte Golf Club and its dividing line with the spring forest in Zapopan, with an East-West orientation, on a land of 1000m2. From an aesthetic point of view, the house was designed based on the spring forest’s primary setting. Special care was taken in the landscape design, integrating species of the region organically. Using natural materials in facades and interiors was a deliberate choice, with the intention that the construction, over the years, would become part of the natural setting and transform along with it. The residence is not just a home but a friend to the environment. It is equipped with solar panels for the house’s daily use and the pool’s heating, reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, it has a water treatment plant, ensuring responsible water usage and management. The interior design style vividly reflects the residents’ personalities. Most of the pieces made in Mexico were designed and manufactured in a contemporary style.

Luxury custom reef aquarium integrated directly into the shower and bathroom design of this contemporary oceanfront residence. The aquarium was designed to function as both a living reef ecosystem and an architectural focal point within the bathroom environment while maintaining clean integration with the surrounding millwork, lighting, and structural design of the space. Projects like this require detailed coordination between aquarium design, waterproofing systems, plumbing integration, lighting, ventilation, cabinetry, and long-term maintenance accessibility long before installation begins. The system includes remote life support and filtration equipment located separately from the display aquarium to reduce equipment visibility and maintain a clean modern presentation within the bathroom space. Custom aquarium design, fabrication coordination, installation, and ongoing maintenance by Aqua Creations. https://aquacustomfishtanks.com/featured-aquariums/bathroom-shower-aquarium/

A145 features a specific program for a family whose main requirement was the versatility of the social space, having spaces wholly open and integrated and simultaneously being able to divide them for the comfort of each one of its members. The home is located in the Ayamonte Golf Club and its dividing line with the spring forest in Zapopan, with an East-West orientation, on a land of 1000m2. From an aesthetic point of view, the house was designed based on the spring forest’s primary setting. Special care was taken in the landscape design, integrating species of the region organically. Using natural materials in facades and interiors was a deliberate choice, with the intention that the construction, over the years, would become part of the natural setting and transform along with it. The residence is not just a home but a friend to the environment. It is equipped with solar panels for the house’s daily use and the pool’s heating, reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, it has a water treatment plant, ensuring responsible water usage and management. The interior design style vividly reflects the residents’ personalities. Most of the pieces made in Mexico were designed and manufactured in a contemporary style.

A145 features a specific program for a family whose main requirement was the versatility of the social space, having spaces wholly open and integrated and simultaneously being able to divide them for the comfort of each one of its members. The home is located in the Ayamonte Golf Club and its dividing line with the spring forest in Zapopan, with an East-West orientation, on a land of 1000m2. From an aesthetic point of view, the house was designed based on the spring forest’s primary setting. Special care was taken in the landscape design, integrating species of the region organically. Using natural materials in facades and interiors was a deliberate choice, with the intention that the construction, over the years, would become part of the natural setting and transform along with it. The residence is not just a home but a friend to the environment. It is equipped with solar panels for the house’s daily use and the pool’s heating, reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, it has a water treatment plant, ensuring responsible water usage and management. The interior design style vividly reflects the residents’ personalities. Most of the pieces made in Mexico were designed and manufactured in a contemporary style.

A145 features a specific program for a family whose main requirement was the versatility of the social space, having spaces wholly open and integrated and simultaneously being able to divide them for the comfort of each one of its members. The home is located in the Ayamonte Golf Club and its dividing line with the spring forest in Zapopan, with an East-West orientation, on a land of 1000m2. From an aesthetic point of view, the house was designed based on the spring forest’s primary setting. Special care was taken in the landscape design, integrating species of the region organically. Using natural materials in facades and interiors was a deliberate choice, with the intention that the construction, over the years, would become part of the natural setting and transform along with it. The residence is not just a home but a friend to the environment. It is equipped with solar panels for the house’s daily use and the pool’s heating, reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, it has a water treatment plant, ensuring responsible water usage and management. The interior design style vividly reflects the residents’ personalities. Most of the pieces made in Mexico were designed and manufactured in a contemporary style.