Search results for "Reduce requiring" in Home Design Ideas

Kittery Junction was originally constructed by the York Harbor & Beach Railroad Co. between 1886 and 1887. In the days when the locomotive was the preferred method of transportation for much of America’s population, this project site provided both passenger and freight service between Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and York Beach, Maine. It was usually the case that a train station constructed during this period would have its own unique architecture, and this site was no exception.
Now privately owned, this structure proudly stands overlooking Barrell’s Pond. To capture this view, the new owner approached our design team with a vision of a master bedroom Victorian conservatory facing the serene body of water. Respectful of the existing architectural details, Sunspace Design worked to bring this vision to reality using our solid conventional walls, custom Marvin windows, and a custom shop-built octagonal conservatory glass roof system. This combination enabled us to meet strong energy efficiency requirements while creating a classic Victorian conservatory that met the client’s hopes.
The glass roof system was constructed in the shop, transported to site, and raised in place to reduce on site construction time. With windows and doors provided by a top window manufacturer, the 2’ x 6’ wall construction with gave us complete design control. With solid wood framing, fiberglass R-21 insulation in the walls, and sputter coated low-E sun control properties in the custom glass roof system, the construction is both structurally and thermally sound. The end result is a comfortable Victorian conservatory addition that can easily withstand the harsh elements of a Maine winter.
We’ve been designing and building conservatories in New England since 1981. This project stands as a model of our commitment to quality. We utilize this construction process for all of our sunrooms, skylights, conservatories, and orangeries to ensure a final product that is unsurpassed in quality and performance.

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

I was initially contacted by the builder and architect working on this Modern European Cottage to review the property and home design before construction began. Once the clients and I had the opportunity to meet and discuss what their visions were for the property, I started working on their wish list of items, which included a custom concrete pool, concrete spa, patios/walkways, custom fencing, and wood structures.
One of the largest challenges was that this property had a 30% (or less) hardcover surface requirement for the city location. With the lot size and square footage of the home I had limits to how much hardcover we could add to property. So, I had to get creative. We presented to the city the usage of the Live Green Roof plantings that would reduce the hardcover calculations for the site. Also, if we kept space between the Laurel Sandstones walkways, using them as steppers and planting groundcover or lawn between the stones that would also reduce the hard surface calculations. We continued that theme with the back patio as well. The client’s esthetic leaned towards the minimal style, so by adding greenery between stones work esthetically.
I chose the Laurel Tumbled Sandstone for the charm and character and thought it would lend well to the old world feel of this Modern European Cottage. We installed it on all the stone walkways, steppers, and patios around the home and pool.
I had several meetings with the client to discuss/review perennials, shrubs, and tree selections. Plant color and texture of the planting material were equally important to the clients when choosing. We grouped the plantings together and did not over-mix varieties of plants. Ultimately, we chose a variety of styles from natural groups of plantings to a touch of formal style, which all work cohesively together.
The custom fence design and installation was designed to create a cottage “country” feel. They gave us inspiration of a country style fence that you may find on a farm to keep the animals inside. We took those photos and ideas and elevated the design. We used a combination of cedar wood and sandwich the galvanized mesh between it. The fence also creates a space for the clients two dogs to roam freely around their property. We installed sod on the inside of the fence to the home and seeded the remaining areas with a Low Gro Fescue grass seed with a straw blanket for protection.
The minimal European style custom concrete pool was designed to be lined up in view from the porch and inside the home. The client requested the lawn around the edge of the pool, which helped reduce the hardcover calculations. The concrete spa is open year around. Benches are on all four sides of the spa to create enough seating for the whole family to use at the same time. Mortared field stone on the exterior of the spa mimics the stone on the exterior of the home. The spa equipment is installed in the lower level of the home to protect it from the cold winter weather.
Between the garage and the home’s entry is a pea rock sitting area and is viewed from several windows. I wanted it to be a quiet escape from the rest of the house with the minimal design. The Skyline Locust tree planted in the center of the space creates a canopy and softens the side of garage wall from the window views. The client will be installing a small water feature along the garage for serene noise ambience.
The client had very thoughtful design ideas styles, and our collaborations all came together and worked well to create the landscape design/installation. The result was everything they had dreamed of and more for their Modern European Cottage home and property.
Find the right local pro for your project

The Craftsman fireplace sets a new standard for wood burning beauty, performance and convenience. The bedrock of the Astria wood burning family, the Craftsman features the industry’s finest, most realistic textured refractory brick liners. Hidden screen pockets maximize the viewing area of the fireplace. An easy access damper handle and position lock outside air controls support consistent performance. The Craftsman is designed with gas line knockouts to allow homeowners the option of installing an Astria gas log set, with all gas connections and controls hidden out of sight.
Aesthetics
Realistic textured refractory brick liner
Clean face and louvered models available.
Screens retract into hidden screen pockets for a clean elegant look.
Heavy duty log grate.
Glass doors available with black, Brushed brass or platinum trim.
Comfort
Radiant heat delivers relaxing warmth in the room environment.
Outside combustion air kit available.
Performance
Fully insulated firebox (on select models) for increased performance in colder climates.
Easy access damper with position lock outside air controls.
8” double wall wood-burning chimney.
Durable textured powder coat finish.
Fan kit available (for circulating models only).
Gas log ready.
Available with PureFire Technology
The Craftsman CAT comes with all of the great features of the Craftsman and the added benefits of PureFire technology! PureFire is a passive catalyst system that reduces particulate emissions by approximately 75%. PureFire virtually eliminates carbon monoxide (including CO from gas logs) and is maintenance free, no cleaning or special care required!

This newly renovated lakefront home had a budget set aside for new window coverings to finish the rooms and to maximize the beautiful view. A combination of drapery and blinds were used throughout. The living room’s bank of sliding doors looked like a lot of bare windows so custom side panels were added to separate them and soften the room. The Plantation style ceiling fans and newly installed pebble tile were the source of inspiration for the palm branch print that was used while the soft sage and copper tones added to the outdoor feel.
An outdoor space was created for use in the summer. On the deck, linen style sheers run on a ceiling mount channel rod so the fabric is able to bypass any brackets and not get in the way. When the sheers are pulled closed a room is created to block the intense sun, and in their open position the panels are pulled back to frame the stucco pillars. In the sun room, custom Sunbrella roman shades were installed into the divided glass ceiling which had always been an intense source of heat. A burnt orange striped fabric was used to incorporate the orange tones used in the living room.
Hunter Douglas Pirhouettes were installed throughout the rest of the house to give warmth and texture to the rest of the windows. Pirhouette blinds feature soft fabric vanes attached to a sheer backing that appear to be floating. When closed, they look just like a contemporary shade. The advantage to this type of blind is that they diffuse the light quite nicely, spreading it evenly throughout your room, so you can maximize daylight hours and reduce your need for artificial light.
The homeowners required a balance of style and practicality in their home and we delivered with custom window treatments that fit the unique needs of each area in the house.

The shortest distance between two outdoor kitchen points is a straight line, and our client came to us with a desire to build a line of fully loaded grills to fill the space between two patio columns. They knew exactly what grills they wanted, and with so much cooking space and a history of making food to draw a crowd, they knew they needed an adjacent bar top with seating to complement the cookers.
Leading off the lineup is the Yoder Smokers YS640s Pellet Grill, its black steel hood standing out in a sea of limestone and granite. The centerpiece of the line is the striking DCS 36" Series 7, a 5 burner gas grill tailor-made to feed a large group. Completing the trio is the Le Griddle GFE105 41" Teppanyaki Grill, its 304 stainless steel cooking surface able to provide superior heat distribution. Built-in propane rollouts below the grills keep fuel tanks easily accessible and trash rollouts keep the cooking area tidy, while access doors provide convenient storage space.
An impressive cooking station like this requires a place to prepare large amounts of food, so a mini bar was added opposite the grill station with enough counterspace to help serve smash burgers or breakfast omelettes. A built-in True refrigerator helps keep drinks cool and close at hand, reducing trips in and out of the house.

Perfect for cover lighting, outlining buildings, windows, walkway and garden paths, accenting decks, patios, front porches, staircases, garden and much more.
Color : Warm white.
Length per roll: 150ft(46m).
LED quantity: 1656 leds per roll, 11 leds per feet.
Diameter: 0.47-Inch. Input Voltage : 110-120 V AC.
Luminous intensity: 4000mcd/LED.
Wattage: 0.55W/ft (1.8W/m), total 82.8W.
Easy Installation. Simply plug into 110-120V AC household outlet without wiring.
Flexible. The slim, compact and flexible PCB tube can be shaped, formed or bent in any angle to perfectly fit the space being decorated.
Cuttable and linkable. It can be cut in every 3.28ft along the cutting marks, without damaging the rest strips.
Waterproof. IP65. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Components saving. Can be directly connected into main supply, no power adapter, transformer or driver is required.
Reduce re-lamp frequency. Lifespan is over 50000 hrs. Save effort and labor costs on changing lights frequently.
Widely applicable. Not only be cut in sections, but also can run in max 150ft(46m) with only one power plug. It is convenient and cost-saving for large outdoor projects.
Eco-Friendly. No lead or mercury.
Applications. Perfect for cove lighting, outlining buildings/ windows/walkway and garden paths, accenting decks/ patios/front porches/staircases/garden and much more.

Example of a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

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

All brands of polymeric sand are NOT equal. Don’t waste money on inferior quality polymeric sand that will cause surface hazing or wash away during a heavy rain. Your brick paver patio, walkway or driveway deserves the best finish possible.
Many types of polymeric sand rely on Portland cement, which often causes hazing, & cracking. Portland cement does not surpass a cohesion threshold that will prevent rain or strong wind from causing washout of the sand.
All Surface Restoration has tested every major brand of polymeric sand on the market in Michigan’s climate for cohesion, adhesion & set up. The most durable, longest lasting type of polymeric sand is Poly Sweep.
Poly Sweep is a different blend of sands with high quality synthetic polymers specially formulated to allow joints to expand & contract with extreme freeze thaw cycles common in Michigan. No sealer is required to keep the sand hard & stable.
Poly Sweep Polymeric Sand has an advanced clear set technology, which uses high quality clear polymers that don’t leave a white haze.
Poly Sweep proved it had a significantly stronger set up than ALL other brands.
It reduces overall maintenance by inhibiting weed growth & deterring insects.
Salt & deicing chemicals do not affect performance. Poly Sweep is available in Tan or Gray to blend with the color of your brick pavers.
Searching for solution to prevent weeds, moss & water penetration in brick pavers in Michigan? Contact the paver maintenance experts at All Surface Restoration to request a free estimate today on cleaning & installing Poly Sweep Polymeric Sand.
Michigan residents request a free estimate at: www.surfacerestoration.com/contact or call 248-475-0004

Designed and realized by WL3 Designs, The Albero Respite is a paradigm of contemporary minimalist architecture, where serene simplicity meets functional elegance. Named after the Italian word for 'tree', the home pays homage to the solitary olive tree gracing its courtyard, symbolizing peace and resilience.
This single-story structure emerges from the landscape with clean lines and expansive glass facades that dissolve the barriers between indoor space and the natural world outside. White, the dominant hue, serves not just as a design choice but as a canvas for the play of light and shadow, changing with the sun’s whims.
WL3 Designs has meticulously crafted each element of The Albero Respite to embody the principles of sustainable design while providing a haven of tranquility.
The home's orientation and glazing are engineered to optimize natural light and promote passive heating and cooling, reducing the need for artificial climate control. It stands as a testament to the possibility of living in harmony with nature without forgoing modern luxury and comfort.
Designing for the desert requires in-depth understanding of the extreme temperatures that range here.
From freezing temperatures in the winter to blistering hot ones in the summer, the region contains every extreme, and the homes that are built in it must also. Rains and wind, endless sunshine, these are all elements that we considered when designing for this region.
In addition to using modern strategies, we referred to ancient design concepts embraced by native people for generations, combining the two to create modern homes in this timeless, desert environment.

Kittery Junction was originally constructed by the York Harbor & Beach Railroad Co. between 1886 and 1887. In the days when the locomotive was the preferred method of transportation for much of America’s population, this project site provided both passenger and freight service between Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and York Beach, Maine. It was usually the case that a train station constructed during this period would have its own unique architecture, and this site was no exception.
Now privately owned, this structure proudly stands overlooking Barrell’s Pond. To capture this view, the new owner approached our design team with a vision of a master bedroom Victorian conservatory facing the serene body of water. Respectful of the existing architectural details, Sunspace Design worked to bring this vision to reality using our solid conventional walls, custom Marvin windows, and a custom shop-built octagonal conservatory glass roof system. This combination enabled us to meet strong energy efficiency requirements while creating a classic Victorian conservatory that met the client’s hopes.
The glass roof system was constructed in the shop, transported to site, and raised in place to reduce on site construction time. With windows and doors provided by a top window manufacturer, the 2’ x 6’ wall construction with gave us complete design control. With solid wood framing, fiberglass R-21 insulation in the walls, and sputter coated low-E sun control properties in the custom glass roof system, the construction is both structurally and thermally sound. The end result is a comfortable Victorian conservatory addition that can easily withstand the harsh elements of a Maine winter.
We’ve been designing and building conservatories in New England since 1981. This project stands as a model of our commitment to quality. We utilize this construction process for all of our sunrooms, skylights, conservatories, and orangeries to ensure a final product that is unsurpassed in quality and performance.

This project involved a full upgrade of window treatments for a traditional sash bay and adjacent tall windows. The goal was to improve light control, thermal performance, and aesthetics by installing made‑to‑measure plantation shutters and bespoke blinds. The result is a cohesive, high‑quality finish that respects the property’s character while adding modern convenience.
Scope of Work
- Full site survey and precise measuring of all windows.
- Manufacture and supply of bespoke plantation shutters for the bay sections.
- Supply and installation of made‑to‑measure roller blinds with blackout lining for tall sash windows.
- Motorisation for long‑drop blinds where required, plus wiring and testing.
- Final adjustments, sealing, and a quality inspection.
Challenges and Solutions
- Long drop blinds: For windows with a 3 m drop we specified reinforced headrails and high‑torque motors to prevent sagging and ensure smooth operation.
- Sash window geometry: Custom shutter panels were designed to fit bay angles and sash reveals, using discreet fixings to preserve original frames.
- Insulation and noise reduction: We selected thicker louvres and lined blinds to improve thermal retention and reduce external noise.
Results and Benefits
- Improved comfort: Noticeable reduction in drafts and better temperature control.
- Enhanced light control: Motorised blinds provide effortless, precise daylight management.
- Aesthetic upgrade: A unified, premium finish that complements the sash architecture.
- Increased property appeal: The upgrade enhances perceived value and homeowner satisfaction.
For a free on‑site measure and quote in Cumbernauld and the greater Glasgow area, contact us to schedule a visit. We document each project with before and after photos to showcase workmanship and results.

The Roma Travertine-Effect Matt Porcelain Tile 120x60cm offers a realistic stone-veined design in soft beige, perfect for creating a luxury spa feel in any Irish home.
Capture the timeless beauty of Italian stone with this exquisite travertine-effect porcelain tile. Designed to replicate the intricate linear veining and warm, sandy tones of natural travertine, this tile offers a sophisticated alternative that requires none of the specialist sealing or intensive maintenance associated with real stone. The large-format 120x60cm dimensions are ideal for modern interiors, helping to create a sense of expansive, uninterrupted space by reducing the number of grout lines on your walls or floors.
Crafted from premium porcelain with a refined matt finish, this tile is both durable and slip-resistant, making it a versatile choice for every room in the house. Whether you are looking to design a tranquil, floor-to-ceiling master en-suite, a high-traffic kitchen floor, or a seamless transition through a contemporary living area, the Roma series provides an elegant and hard-wearing foundation. Its neutral colour palette serves as a perfect canvas, pairing beautifully with both traditional chrome brassware and modern matt black fixtures.
Realistic travertine-effect design with natural-look linear veining
Large-format 120x60cm profile for a spacious and premium architectural finish
Durable porcelain construction resistant to stains, scratches and moisture
Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways and open-plan living rooms
Bring the warmth and texture of natural stone into your interior design. Buy now for fast delivery across Ireland and upgrade your space with the enduring elegance of the Roma series.

High-performance modern/contemporary steel garage doors engineered for resellers and installers focused on clean lines, reliable operation, and fewer service calls—ideal for new builds and modern renovations from China CHI Hardware, the World-class garage door manufacturer.
MAs a China supplier with integrated production and wholesale garage door, our best-performance lineup is engineered for resellers and installers who need smooth travel, stable panels, and fewer service calls. Select flush or minimalist grooves, optional insulation and upgraded seals, reinforced sections for larger widths, and durable finishes for harsh climates. With consistent fitment, clear hardware matching, and batch-controlled production, you can install faster, quote confidently, and protect your reputation.
————Key Specifications————
• Styles: modern flush / minimal grooves / micro-rib (optional)
• Steel: galvanized steel skins; thickness customizable by market requirement
• Insulation: optional PU foam insulated construction
• Finish: matte/satin options; multiple standard colors + custom colors
• Hardware compatibility: standard sectional systems; quiet rollers optional
————Performance & Benefits————
• Modern flat surfaces with enhanced rigidity to resist oil-canning
• Insulation + seal options improve air tightness and reduce noise
• Precise track/hardware fit helps smooth, quiet travel
————CHI Manufacturing & Process Strength————
• Controlled roll forming and panel straightness management
• Foaming process with stable density control (for insulated models)
• Quality checks focused on flatness, squareness, and coating consistency
————Contact Us————
China Chi Hardware Co.,Ltd.
Website: https://www.chihw.com/

The Roma Travertine-Effect Matt Porcelain Tile 120x60cm offers a realistic stone-veined design in soft beige, perfect for creating a luxury spa feel in any Irish home.
Capture the timeless beauty of Italian stone with this exquisite travertine-effect porcelain tile. Designed to replicate the intricate linear veining and warm, sandy tones of natural travertine, this tile offers a sophisticated alternative that requires none of the specialist sealing or intensive maintenance associated with real stone. The large-format 120x60cm dimensions are ideal for modern interiors, helping to create a sense of expansive, uninterrupted space by reducing the number of grout lines on your walls or floors.
Crafted from premium porcelain with a refined matt finish, this tile is both durable and slip-resistant, making it a versatile choice for every room in the house. Whether you are looking to design a tranquil, floor-to-ceiling master en-suite, a high-traffic kitchen floor, or a seamless transition through a contemporary living area, the Roma series provides an elegant and hard-wearing foundation. Its neutral colour palette serves as a perfect canvas, pairing beautifully with both traditional chrome brassware and modern matt black fixtures.
Realistic travertine-effect design with natural-look linear veining
Large-format 120x60cm profile for a spacious and premium architectural finish
Durable porcelain construction resistant to stains, scratches and moisture
Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways and open-plan living rooms
Bring the warmth and texture of natural stone into your interior design. Buy now for fast delivery across Ireland and upgrade your space with the enduring elegance of the Roma series.

Asterix Cab Home Elevator
The Cibes Symmetry Asterix Cab is a premium residential elevator that combines timeless craftsmanship with modern elevator technology to deliver an elegant, fully enclosed lift for luxury homes. Designed for homeowners who want the classic look of a traditional elevator with the efficiency of a machine-room-less system, the Asterix Cab provides exceptional comfort, accessibility, and style.
Featuring a beautifully finished enclosed cab with customizable wall panels, premium lighting, elegant handrails, and refined interior details, the Asterix Cab enhances any home while providing safe and reliable access between floors. Whether incorporated into a new custom home or added during a renovation, it seamlessly blends with traditional, transitional, or contemporary interiors.
Unlike many conventional residential elevators, the Cibes Symmetry Asterix Cab is engineered for efficient installation with no separate machine room and a compact footprint, helping reduce construction complexity while maximizing usable living space. Its smooth screw-driven technology delivers quiet, dependable operation with low maintenance requirements and outstanding long-term reliability.
Built with safety and convenience in mind, the Asterix Cab includes advanced features such as obstruction sensors, battery-powered emergency lowering, emergency communication, automatic lighting, and intuitive controls, giving homeowners confidence with every ride.
Perfect For:
Luxury homes
Aging in place
Wheelchair accessibility
Multigenerational living
Custom home construction
Home renovations and remodels
Universal Design and accessible living
The Cibes Symmetry Asterix Cab is the ideal choice for homeowners seeking a sophisticated home elevator that combines elegant design, premium craftsmanship, and everyday functionality. With extensive customization options, smooth performance, and industry-leading engineering, the Asterix Cab adds lasting value, accessibility, and convenience to virtually any home.

Having evergreens on your property is an extraordinary way to include color that will stay fresh all year long. Knowing how to take care of your evergreens is also important if you want them to thrive long-term. How you plant your evergreens and where you plant them is important, but their maintenance equally critical.
You should always fortify your evergreens by watering them liberally and mulching their soil beds. This will help reduce any damage caused by winds, cold weather, and intense sun exposure. Pruning on a consistent schedule will also ensure that your evergreen always looks neat, healthy, and green.
How to Properly Care for Evergreens
Evergreens are very low-maintenance trees but they still require care. Neglected plants will dry out and wither which has the contrary effect of what you intended for when you planted them.
Mulching & Watering
The level of moisture in the soil will determine how well an evergreen can handle winter conditions and dry conditions. Adding wood chips or shredded bark mulch around the bottom of your plant will help lock in soil moisture. Make sure this is close to the tree’s drip line.
Adding organic materials to your mulch, such as compost, will further boost the nutrient levels in the soil. This, in turn, will help your evergreen grow strong, healthy and green. Make sure you water your plant regularly to maintain soil moisture levels.
Read More: https://www.fivestartreecare.ca/blog/best-way-to-care-for-evergreens/

Ascenda XL Shaftless Home Elevator
The Cibes Symmetry Ascenda XL is a premium shaftless home elevator designed to provide safe, stylish, and space-saving accessibility for modern homes. Ideal for homeowners planning to age in place, improve wheelchair accessibility, or add luxury and convenience to a new or existing home, the Ascenda XL offers one of the largest cab sizes available in a shaftless residential elevator.
Unlike a traditional residential elevator, the Ascenda XL requires no elevator shaft, machine room, or deep pit, significantly reducing construction time and installation costs. Its compact footprint makes it an excellent solution for retrofit projects, renovations, and custom homes where space is at a premium.
The spacious cab comfortably accommodates larger wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, multiple passengers, groceries, luggage, and everyday household items. Large panoramic glass panels, Scandinavian-inspired styling, premium finishes, and integrated LED lighting create a modern aesthetic that complements virtually any home design.
Powered by Cibes Symmetry's reliable screw-driven lift technology, the Ascenda XL delivers smooth, quiet operation with minimal maintenance. Advanced safety features include obstruction sensors, battery-powered emergency lowering, emergency communication, automatic lighting, and intuitive controls, providing peace of mind for homeowners and families alike.
Perfect For:
Aging in place
Wheelchair-accessible homes
Multigenerational living
Luxury home renovations
New custom home construction
Universal Design and accessible living
Whether you're looking to improve mobility, increase your home's value, or create a forever home, the Cibes Symmetry Ascenda XL combines Scandinavian design, innovative engineering, and exceptional accessibility in a residential elevator that blends seamlessly into your living space.

Designed and realized by WL3 Designs, The Albero Respite is a paradigm of contemporary minimalist architecture, where serene simplicity meets functional elegance. Named after the Italian word for 'tree', the home pays homage to the solitary olive tree gracing its courtyard, symbolizing peace and resilience.
This single-story structure emerges from the landscape with clean lines and expansive glass facades that dissolve the barriers between indoor space and the natural world outside. White, the dominant hue, serves not just as a design choice but as a canvas for the play of light and shadow, changing with the sun’s whims.
WL3 Designs has meticulously crafted each element of The Albero Respite to embody the principles of sustainable design while providing a haven of tranquility.
The home's orientation and glazing are engineered to optimize natural light and promote passive heating and cooling, reducing the need for artificial climate control. It stands as a testament to the possibility of living in harmony with nature without forgoing modern luxury and comfort.
Designing for the desert requires in-depth understanding of the extreme temperatures that range here.
From freezing temperatures in the winter to blistering hot ones in the summer, the region contains every extreme, and the homes that are built in it must also. Rains and wind, endless sunshine, these are all elements that we considered when designing for this region.
In addition to using modern strategies, we referred to ancient design concepts embraced by native people for generations, combining the two to create modern homes in this timeless, desert environment.
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