Stopping the Sun before it enters your windows, is one of the most effective ways of decreasing heat gain. A very smart choice for reducing cooling costs.

This modern bathroom oasis encompasses many elements that speak of minimalism, luxury and even industrial design. The white vessel sinks and freestanding modern bathtub give the room a slick and polished appearance, while the exposed piping and black hanging lights provide some aesthetic diversity. The angled ceiling and skylights allow so much light, that the room feels even more spacious than it already is. The marble floors give the room a gleaming appearance, and the chrome accents, seen on the cabinet pulls and bathroom fixtures, reminds us that sleek is in. NS Designs, Pasadena, CA http://nsdesignsonline.com 626-491-9411

Phantom Executive Screen. Motorized screen. Bug Screen. Instant Screened in porch! Sun glare reducing.
Inspiration for a large timeless beige two-story stucco exterior home remodel

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/

Peter Vanderwarker
Mid-sized minimalist brown one-story wood flat roof photo in Boston

Tricia Shay Photography
Example of a mid-sized trendy concrete floor hallway design in Milwaukee with white walls

Casey Dunn
Cottage pool photo in Austin

The homeowner of this solarium found that it was just too hot to endure when the sun was out, but we were able to apply a film which reduced the heat by at least half, and made it much more enjoyable for her.

Close up of entry "curb appeal" bed. photo by Billy Goodnick
Photo of a small eclectic drought-tolerant and full sun front yard stone garden path in Santa Barbara.

The homeowners needed window treatments that would reduce the bright sun coming in the room while they play the piano, but didn’t want to lose their view to the outside. They also wanted to protect the piano from damaging UV rays. Solar shades were the perfect solution to reduce glare while maintaining their view. They also helped to balance the room with their large, contemporary artwork.

The homeowners needed window treatments that would reduce the bright sun coming in the room while they play the piano, but didn’t want to lose their view to the outside. They also wanted to protect the piano from damaging UV rays. Solar shades were the perfect solution to reduce glare while maintaining their view. They also helped to balance the room with their large, contemporary artwork.

Motorized screens being installed. These windows are facing direct sunlight and the installation will significantly reduce sun glare and assist with temperature control.

Ulimited Style Photography http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49412194/list/patio-details-a-relaxing-front-yard-retreat-in-los-angeles

The clients desired a building that would be low-slung, fit into the contours of the site, and would invoke a modern, yet camp-like arrangement of gathering and sleeping spaces.

Block the sun and maintain your view! Our large selection of interior solar screens is the ideal solution to your indoor natural lighting needs. Allow the proper amount of sunlight in while creating the perfect environment in your home. Utilize the interior solar screens to reduce the sun’s glare while saving money by blocking the heat from entering the room. Choose from a variety of fabrics that can blend with their surroundings or feature them as a design aspect in the room. Our interior solar screens are best for windows, glass doors, and sunrooms. Maintain your view while blocking harmful UV rays.

10" Elite Tubular Skylight installed on a wall (90 degree elbow was used due to the second story above the bathroom) and also an Elite Master Garage Vent was installed to reduce high temperatures, and reduce exhaust fumes cause by vehicles. (Optional Fire Damper installed to meet Fire & Building Codes)

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional drought-tolerant and full sun front yard gravel landscaping in Austin.

Day Curtains help soften the overall look of your home by reducing the sun's glare. They require very little maintenance and provide excellent daytime privacy. Pair it with our Night Curtains for complete darkness and privacy at night.

Photos by Matthew Williams
Living room - scandinavian enclosed light wood floor living room idea in New York with white walls