The Aspect Window Series has been independently tested to meet strict energy efficiency standards and is ENERGY STAR® certified. Aspect brand custom vinyl windows come standard with an innovative, multi-chambered frame and sash design, triple weather-stripping and ComforTech™ Warm Edge Glazing, a high-tech glass package that measurably improves thermal performance—for less heat loss, warmer glass temperatures and reduced interior condensation.

Inspiration for a large contemporary enclosed carpeted and beige floor home theater remodel in New York with black walls and a media wall

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

This hallway was part of a larger remodel of an attic space which included the hall, master bedroom, bathroom and nursery. Painted a brilliant white and borrowing light from the frosted, glass inset nursery and bedroom doors, this light hardwood space is lined on one side with custom, built-in storage. Making the most of the sloping eave space and pony wall, there is room for stacking, hanging and multiple drawer depths, very versatile storage. The cut-out pulls and toe-kick registers keep the floor and walkway clear of any extrusions. The hall acts as an extension of the bedrooms, with the narrow bench providing a resting place while getting ready in the morning. All photos: Josh Partee Photography

Kitchen Universal Design considerations: * The oven and microwave were positioned lower to reduce the likelihood of spills/burns * All ceiling and under cabinet lighting used LED bulbs for maximum light * The quartz countertop was selected with a matte finish to reduce glare. * Dishwasher was raised 10” for easier access for loading and unloading * All cabinets have roll out trays for easier access

Kitchen Universal Design considerations: * The oven and microwave were positioned lower to reduce the likelihood of spills/burns * All ceiling and under cabinet lighting used LED bulbs for maximum light * The quartz countertop was selected with a matte finish to reduce glare. * Dishwasher was raised 10” for easier access for loading and unloading * All cabinets have roll out trays for easier access

Kitchen Universal Design considerations: * The oven and microwave were positioned lower to reduce the likelihood of spills/burns * All ceiling and under cabinet lighting used LED bulbs for maximum light * The quartz countertop was selected with a matte finish to reduce glare. * Dishwasher was raised 10” for easier access for loading and unloading * All cabinets have roll out trays for easier access.

Example of a trendy sunroom design in Ahmedabad

Photo: Jason Snyder © 2013 Houzz

Example of a beach style 3/4 medium tone wood floor bathroom design in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, a one-piece toilet and blue walls

Mid-sized transitional 3/4 gray tile, white tile and marble tile marble floor alcove shower photo in Toronto with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and quartzite countertops

Bathroom Universal Design considerations: * The master shower was designed with a curb-less/barrier-free entry * Grab bars were positioned in both bathrooms to reduce the likelihood of falls * Master shower has an extra long hand held shower head hose to easily reach a shower bench or chair * Shampoo niches were placed for easier access while standing or sitting in the shower

Bathroom Universal Design considerations: * The master shower was designed with a curb-less/barrier-free entry * Grab bars were positioned in both bathrooms to reduce the likelihood of falls * Master shower has an extra long hand held shower head hose to easily reach a shower bench or chair * Shampoo niches were placed for easier access while standing or sitting in the shower

Bathroom Universal Design considerations: * The master shower was designed with a curb-less/barrier-free entry * Grab bars were positioned in both bathrooms to reduce the likelihood of falls * Master shower has an extra long hand held shower head hose to easily reach a shower bench or chair * Shampoo niches were placed for easier access while standing or sitting in the shower

Bathroom Universal Design considerations: * The master shower was designed with a curb-less/barrier-free entry * Grab bars were positioned in both bathrooms to reduce the likelihood of falls * Master shower has an extra long hand held shower head hose to easily reach a shower bench or chair * Shampoo niches were placed for easier access while standing or sitting in the shower

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/

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

We design wide overhangs (18" in most cases) on all of our Habitat designs. This helps shade the windows during the summer months, reducing solar gain and helping the Air Conditioning to work more efficiently. In the winter, lower sun angles sneak underneath to Let the Sunshine In!

Bathroom Universal Design considerations: * The master shower was designed with a curb-less/barrier-free entry * Grab bars were positioned in both bathrooms to reduce the likelihood of falls * Master shower has an extra long hand held shower head hose to easily reach a shower bench or chair * Shampoo niches were placed for easier access while standing or sitting in the shower