Summer storms in Bethesda can put a lot of stress on mature trees. This project, near Ramsgate Road, in Bethesda involved removing a large storm-damaged Oak tree from a home. While part of the work required crane assistance, the second photo shows one of our climbers safely dismantling sections of the tree by hand—an approach often needed when access is limited or precision is critical. It’s a good reminder that even in the summer, routine pruning and proactive tree care can go a long way in reducing storm-related damage. Rock Creek has the tree expert and arborist staff to help 301-580-6023.

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.

Custom built-in reef aquarium designed and installed within a contemporary Jersey Shore penthouse residence. The aquarium was integrated directly into the architectural layout of the living space to create a clean modern focal point while maintaining open sightlines and long-term accessibility for service and maintenance. Projects like this require detailed planning between aquarium design, cabinetry integration, plumbing layout, lighting coordination, and overall installation logistics long before fabrication and installation begin. The system includes remote filtration and life support equipment located separately from the main display aquarium to reduce equipment visibility, improve serviceability, and maintain a cleaner overall presentation within the living space. Custom aquarium design, fabrication coordination, installation, and ongoing maintenance by Aqua Creations. www.AquaCustomFishTanks.com

This new 1,700 sf two-story single family residence for a young couple required a minimum of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, packaged to fit unobtrusively in an older low-key residential neighborhood. The house is located on a small non-conforming lot. In order to get the maximum out of this small footprint, we virtually eliminated areas such as hallways to capture as much living space. We made the house feel larger by giving the ground floor higher ceilings, provided ample natural lighting, captured elongated sight lines out of view windows, and used outdoor areas as extended living spaces. To help the building be a “good neighbor,” we set back the house on the lot to minimize visual volume, creating a friendly, social semi-public front porch. We designed with multiple step-back levels to create an intimacy in scale. The garage is on one level, the main house is on another higher level. The upper floor is set back even further to reduce visual impact. By designing a single car garage with exterior tandem parking, we minimized the amount of yard space taken up with parking. The landscaping and permeable cobblestone walkway up to the house serves double duty as part of the city required parking space. The final building solution incorporated a variety of significant cost saving features, including a floor plan that made the most of the natural topography of the site and allowed access to utilities’ crawl spaces. We avoided expensive excavation by using slab on grade at the ground floor. Retaining walls also doubled as building walls.

Transform your windows with ​No-Drill Zebra Blinds, the perfect blend of sleek design and practical innovation. These ​Tool-Free Zebra Curtains feature bold alternating stripes for instant visual appeal while blocking 95% of UV rays and glare. Engineered for convenience, they require ​zero drilling – simply peel, stick, and adjust using our patented adhesive mounts. Ideal for high-traffic areas like ​bathrooms, kitchens, and offices, our ​Anti-Fade Zebra Blinds use weather-resistant PVC fabric to combat humidity and prevent color degradation. The ​Noise-Reducing Honeycomb Structure ensures STC 35 sound absorption, ideal for urban homes near busy streets. For commercial spaces, ​Fire-Rated Zebra Blinds for Hotels meet ASTM E84 standards, combining safety with brand-aligned aesthetics.

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.

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 - Matte Black 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.

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.

To achieve an open kitchen, dining-living room and entertaining space, this small Upper East Side apartment required a gut renovation. We had to get very creative to answer the design dilemmas in this open kitchen, even working to an 1/8 of inch, dealing with a structural column and moving the sink. Removing or reducing barriers helped add light and create a better flow between the spaces. To tie in the upgraded lighting fixtures we created a soffit allowing us to run the pendants below a beam. Featuring an open eat-in counter, beautiful finishes, and enviable stainless steel appliances, we created a beautiful, yet highly functional contemporary apartment that gives our client the lifestyle of she wanted - to be able to entertain both glamorously and comfortably!

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

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

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

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/

Featuring a sleek, clean-face design and a modern, smooth refractory-lined firebox, the WRT4820 adds a touch of sophisticated elegance to any room. Aesthetics Smooth refractory-lined firebox creates a contemporary appearance that exudes style. Single rectangular black door allows for an unobstructed view of the fire. Streamlined Meets EPA Phase II-certified and Washington State emissions requirements (3.7 gr/hr). 55,000 BTU/hr* effectively heats up to 1,500 sq. ft.* Airtight combustion chamber delivers maximum efficiency to ensure steady home heating. Double-air combustion features two controls that allow you to customize the heating of your home, including: Main control for variable heat output Air boost for faster ignition Ease of Operation Efficient air wash system keeps the glass clean, reducing the hassle of maintenance. Heat-resistant handle stays cool to the touch. Burn time is approximately 6–8 hours for long-lasting comfort. Required Venting 6" ASHT+, S-2100+, HT6000+, HT6103+ or AC Chimney Design Versatility Choose between the clean-face panel kit* for a more contemporary design or the louver kit for a traditional look. *Requires gravity air distribution kit EPA-CERTIFIED FIREPLACE COLLECTION EPA-certified wood-burning fireplaces from Superior are expertly designed and crafted from over 30 years of experience creating high efficiency EPA fireplaces. You can count on a lifetime of warmth from our fireplaces with the added bonus of responsible burning.

This Queen Heavy Duty Industrial Metal Wood Platform Bed Frame with Headboard with make a great additional to the modern bedroom. Beautiful slatted wood headboard and heavy duty metal frame. Rounded corners protect your shins. No boxspring necessary. Rounded corners design which will protect you and your family from bumping your shins on sharp corners. Plastic foot pad attached to the bottom of the bed feet prevent your floor from damage. Made of durable and power-coated steel slats, providing optimum support for all of the types of mattresses without the use of a box spring. - Noise Free Design with EVO material reduce friction between the slats and buckles firmly holding the slats in place to prevent noise, Dual protections to promise you a sound sleep. - Space Saving Design with 10-inch under bed clearance providing extra storage space Easy to Clean, Wipe with a damp cloth Easy Assembly Required: All labeled pieces, tools and instructions are smartly packed in 1 box. Can complete the installation in 30 min. Dimensions: Queen size: 83.6" × 62.8" × 40.7" Max capacity: 800 lbs.

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. Property Owner