Overview: This project is a modern infill home in Ottawa, designed with a focus on sustainability and warmth. Using cross-laminated timber (CLT) as the primary construction material, the home celebrates the beauty of exposed wood while delivering a refined yet inviting atmosphere. Construction Approach: The home is designed for modular construction, with prefabricated mass timber elements that simplify the building process, reduce waste, and lower the environmental impact. The mass timber not only provides structural strength but adds warmth and natural texture to the living spaces, creating a sense of comfort and calm. Materials & Aesthetic: Natural materials are central to the home’s design, with a focus on exposed wood and finishes that accentuate the organic beauty of the timber. The use of CLT and other sustainable materials aligns with the project's commitment to eco-conscious building, resulting in a low-carbon footprint. Large windows and open spaces enhance the modern design while maximizing natural light. Key Features: Exposed Mass Timber Details: Structural elements like CLT walls and beams remain exposed, showcasing the natural aesthetic and adding warmth to the modern design. Sustainability Focus: The home employs sustainable practices, including energy-efficient systems and responsibly sourced materials, aimed at reducing environmental impact. Modern but Inviting: A sleek exterior complements the surrounding neighborhood, while the interior exudes warmth and a welcoming atmosphere through natural materials and thoughtfully designed spaces. This infill home blends modernity with the warmth of natural wood, setting a new standard for sustainable, inviting urban living in Ottawa.

Blau-Thompson Residence This Civil War era, 1680-square-foot three-story row house is located in the Italian Market section of Philadelphia. The BluPath Design principals and their young child were the clients. The project goal was to upgrade a traditional housing type to meet a contemporary lifestyle, applying both sustainable criteria and clean, modern yet sensual aesthetics. The challenge of the property (only 830 square feet in lot size) was to create a design that was small, but smart. The structure formerly housed a luncheonette with two apartments above. The interior was gutted and renovated into a single family home. The construction of a small rear addition added a new kitchen on the first floor and new bathrooms on the second and third levels. The east-west orientation of the home was ideal for the roof-mounted solar collectors, which were installed to provide domestic hot water and supplement the new radiant floor heating system. Exterior sensors improve the efficiency of the heating system's response to fluctuations in outside temperature. A new white-coated, rubber membrane roof reduced the structure's heat gain by 20 percent. A water catch system collects rainwater and air conditioner condensation to water the home's small rear garden. Large windows and skylights bring light deep into the row house and reduce the use of light fixtures. The rear yard garden features ipe decking (a dense, water-repellent hardwood) on permeable compacted gravel to minimize storm water runoff. BluPath Design’s principals used the project to demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated with beauty and function, with sensual materials and colors, well-proportioned and light-filled rooms, economic use of space, and thoughtful details. Cherry flooring and custom stairs complement the Indian slate tile in the kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen features custom walnut cabinets with blue granite counters and backsplashes. The first floor dining area is illuminated by a BluPath-designed fiber-optic chandelier. Ipe hardwood is also used for the master bath tub-surround and shower floor. Sliding frosted glass panels separating the master bath from other living areas allows light from the corner windows to naturally illuminate the adjacent room. Awards Honorable Mention for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency IIDA Philadelphia City Center Chapter 3rd Annual Interior Design Awards, June 2007 Bronze 2006 Commonwealth Design Award 10,000 Friends of PA, May 2006 Media HGTV ‘What You Get for the Money’ February 2007 Philadelphia Style Magazine March/April 2007 Philadelphia Inquirer June 11, 2006 Philadelphia CityPaper September 25-October 2, 2003 Photography by Barry Halkin

The backyard of this house was a no-man’s land when the owners moved in. With little more than a few established trees and a big, noisy air-conditioning unit, the yard was an almost open canvas bordering the Los Padres National Forest in a high-fire zone. We installed a large infiltration swale to capture as much rainfall as possible from the house rain gutters, so the water can be stored in the soil where plants can access it, reducing the amount of irrigation this landscape needs. Plantings obscure the air-conditioning unit, and a water feature was installed so the sound of trickling water would drown-out its sound. The plants we chose are drought tolerant and attractive to native birds and insects. We paid special attention to the plantings nearest to the house, keeping them fairly low growing as to not create a fire ladder beneath the eves. The plants also hold a good deal of moisture in their stems and leaves and are easily kept free of desiccated material, making them fire-wise plants that can actually reduce the chances of the property burning in the event of a nearby wildfire.

A standard size base cabinet would have either reduced space in the kitchen or blocked the window in the dining room. This peninsula base cabinet was modified from a standard base cabinet and reduced to 15" deep. The end was finished to match the cabinet doors and the heating vents for both rooms are fitted into its base.

Originally built in 1972, these eight interlocked residential units and the accompanying House Master’s Residence won an AIA award for their unique spatial complexity, balancing standard units of construction with volumetric interplay, all while bringing natural light into living spaces. However, nearly 40 years later These 1970’s era, interlocked faculty housing units won an AIA award when first completed. They were unique in spatial complexity, By early 2,000’s they were showing signs of age, and had become outdated on many levels. Working with project management for the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, we prepared one prototype design to bring the buildings into the 21st century. New insulated skylights, standing seam metal siding, cedar decks and trellises, exchanging black roofs for well insulated white roofs, were all part of a larger planning program to renovate all nine units. The prototype was implemented in 2012, to great approval and result. In 2013 a few more units were done. In 2014 the “House Masters” unit was done, with the remaining four units planned for future budgets. Sustainable features include re-use of most materials on site, (former siding was able to become sheathing below metal panels), implementing the Stretch Energy Code for insulation, and putting new white roof membranes in place. Using FSC certified wood for decks and trellises, and using Rheinzink siding, a “200 year material” according to the manufacturer. After nearly 40 years, Ronald Gourley’s AIA award winning Faculty Housing (1972) was beginning to show its age – plywood siding was delaminating, wooden decks splintering, and custom windows failing. Therefore, the opportunity to reinvent a piece of Mid-Century Modernism presented itself when two of the building’s eight alternating rooftop designs were to be rebuilt as prototypes for the remainder of the structure. The strength of the original design was its rectilinear and symmetrical arrangement of internal and external spaces, but the difference between the two had become blurred over the decades. New zinc siding, mahogany decking, and stainless steel railings accentuate the defining elements and more clearly articulate the living spaces, breathing new life into the building and reinvigorating the surrounding campus. Furthermore, the renovation also provided a chance to bring the structure up to modern energy standards and help meet Harvard’s lofty environmental goals. Insulation within the ceilings was more than tripled, white TPO roofing reduces the heat island effect, construction waste was minimized by recasting the siding as sheathing, and materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity and ability to be recycled as well. Harvard’s energy standards brought an uncharacteristic level of environmental care to this building. Roof structures are triple insulated, allowing separating interior from exterior in the most thermally efficient manner. North facing triple insulated skylights and white TPO roofing reduces the heat gain, but allows natural light to pour in. Materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity. Zinc, for example, is made of 100% recycled material, and has duration of 200 years. Uncharacteristic levels of environmental care were common on this project.

Window film is the perfect solution to letting in natural sun light while helping reduce glare. By reducing the amount of UV Rays that enters your home, it protects your furnishings from fading. Photo Courtesy of Eastman

Our doors have several superior features: - Single sheet of metal is used in construction. No welded seams are best as these can significantly weaken the structural integrity of the entranceway. Our doors are also more resilient to mechanic damage, such as sledgehammer strikes. - The advantage of a single, non-welded door is that it reduces interior internal condensation. Over time, condensation can negatively affect the door mechanisms. - Stiffening Ribs: These non-visible details add to our door's security. - Quality insulation serves to reduce unwanted external noise, as well as protect against extreme heat, and severe cold. Introducing our modern exterior entrance door, a sleek and stylish addition to any contemporary home or building. Crafted from a single sheet of metal, this door features a sturdy metal frame and threshold for added durability and security. The exterior design boasts a sophisticated gray graphite color with four horizontal strips, while the interior design features a crisp white color with four matching horizontal strips for a cohesive look. The simple yet striking design is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Trust the Deux collection, the leading name in modern front doors, for a product that's both stylish and functional. Upgrade your entrance with our modern exterior entrance door today. Model - 1055 Deux Color - Teak Door thickness - 3 1/4" Frame thickness - 4" Exterior design - vertical inserts, glass with mirrored effect. Coating of the door - Teak wood Interior design - glass with mirrored effect. Coating of the door - White Enamel. Hardware included: - Metal frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door with frame is 38" x 82". If sidelites are included - come in separate packaging - Metal threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder K2. - Hinges Combi Arialdo. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - Stainless steel Handle Custom keypad lock can be purchased.

We provided our customer who suffers with sleep problems a solution that features enhanced light control in the bedroom with Motorized Double Roller shades that switch between blackout and sheer options and completed the room darkening effect additionally with adding blackout drapery on a decorative traversing rod allowing for easy operation. The three layers of window treatments also help reduce any outside noise, as well as increasing the energy efficiency of the house which helps reduce the cost of heating and cooling the house .We solved for a tranquil quiet and dark space for good night sleep while adding a touch of warmth and design aesthetic to the space.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. These hooks do it all. To reduce waste, we designed these hooks to be made of excess material from other products. Plus, the 100 percent recycled high-density plastic is made primarily from post-consumer products like milk jugs. Eco-friendly and durable, these modern hooks can be used indoors or out.

The "Corner Villa" design principles are meticulously crafted to create communal spaces for celebrations and gatherings while catering to the owner's need for private sanctuaries and privacy. One unique feature of the villa is the courtyard at the back of the building, separated from the main facade and parking area. This placement ensures that the courtyard and private areas of the villa remain secluded and at the center of the structure. In addition, the desire for a peaceful space away from the main reception and party hall led to more secluded private spaces and bedrooms on a single floor. These spaces are connected by a deep balcony, allowing for different activities to take place simultaneously, making the villa more energy-efficient during periods of lower occupancy and contributing to reduced energy consumption. The villa's shape features broken lines and geometric lozenges that create corners. This design not only allows for expansive balconies but also provides captivating views. The broken lines also serve the purpose of shading areas that receive intense sunlight, ensuring thermal comfort. Addressing the client's crucial need for a serene and tranquil space detached from the main reception and party hall led to the creation of more secluded private spaces and bedrooms on a single floor due to building restrictions. A deep balcony was introduced as a connecting point between these spaces. This arrangement enables various activities, such as parties and relaxation, to occur simultaneously, contributing to energy-efficient practices during periods of lower occupancy, thus aiding in reduced energy consumption.

In this home we applied a few different film to protect from UV rays, reduce heat and glare. we used Hüper Optik Ceramic 60, Hüper Optik Klar 85 and Hüper Optik Fusion 28

A feeling of calm productivity. The desk and chair have clean lines, which creates a sense of order and minimizes visual clutter. This can help to reduce stress and improve concentration. The white walls and light-colored wood tones create a neutral color scheme. Neutral colors can promote feelings of calmness and peace. The desk surface is uncluttered, with only a laptop and a lamp. This lack of clutter can help to reduce feelings of overwhelm and make it easier to focus on the task at hand. The painting above the desk could be considered inspirational, depending on the taste of the viewer. Art can add a personal touch to a space and improve mood. Overall, the feeling of this home office is one that is conducive to focus and productivity, while also being calming and peaceful.

A salvaged door finds a new home as a pantry entry. An aluminum letter "F" found from a salvage yard personalizes the space for the homeowner.
Kitchen - eclectic kitchen idea in Atlanta

AFTER... Amazing Backyard Transformations! Pool Renovation from dull to Dazzling! This amazing transformation is the result of a pool renovation by Paragon Pools in Las Vegas. The homeowner was seeking to update the pool with a more vibrant look. The pool renovation included a redesign of the spa spillway, new tile, new interior finish, and flagstone accents on the spa, spa steps, and seating bench. Before and after photos. Designers: Joseph Michael Vassallo, CBP, PHTA Fellow, PHTA Builder of the Year 2012 Joseph Anthony Vassallo, CBP, PHTA Builder of the Year 2021 If your pool is more than 10 years old… you could benefit from a pool renovation. New technology: • Reduce utility consumption with energy efficient equipment, LED lights, and remote connectivity with smart phone app • Better health by reducing chemical use with the introduction of UV and Ozone water quality systems and • Improve safety with the latest safety devices and by replacing old drains with VGB compliant drains What about an overall facelift to enhance the appearance and versatility of the backyard space. • Is the interior finish/plaster chipping or stained? • Do you have missing, cracked, or calcified tile? • Discolored, uneven, or chipped decks? • Water features that no longer work? • Do you lack in-pool sitting space for your family and guests? • Have you dreamed of having a wet deck to place a lounger on? • Would you love to have a swim up bar for entertaining? Serving these areas and communities: Lake Las Vegas * Boulder City * Henderson * Seven Hills * Anthem * MacDonald Highlands * MacDonald Ranch * Silverado Ranch * Green Valley Ranch * Inspirada * Southern Highlands * Summerlin * Sun City * Aliante * North Las Vegas * Sky Canyon * Centennial Hills * Providence * Spring Valley * Paradise, and others.

Est. in 1975, American Window Film, Inc., offers window films manufactured by 3M. Our films carry comprehensive warranties backed by the leader in the development of innovative adhesives and films. Call for a free demonstration on window films designed to satisfy energy conservation, safety & security, solar control, designer, architectural and privacy requirements.

Sun Control of Minnesota is a family owned and operated business that offers Professional Window Tinting Services. We first started out in one office with two part time installers, and we have now grown our business with over 15 employees badge-1980and four different locations in the metro area. We continue to expand our relationships with customers, as well as our service and quality of work. We offer a complete line of Window Tinting services for Automotive, Commercial, Residential, & Marine applications. Our products include Decorative Frost Films, for glass enhancement; Safety/ Security Films, for Anti-Theft and Blast Protection; and 3M Paint Protection Film, for Automotive Rock Chip Prevention. We focus on helping our customers reduce damaging UV rays, excessive solar heat gain, and glare from their interior spaces. UV rays, solar heat, and visible light are the main contributors to fading concerns in homes. Window Film reduces these elements to provide a beautiful view without having to close out the natural sunlight with a shade or blind. We provide the quality that competitors can’t even touch. Our Mission is to Provide the Highest Quality Service, Products, and Installation in the Solar Energy Control Tint & Glass Film industry.

Window film can help maintain the natural night while helping reduce glare and offering fade protection Photo Courtesy of Eastman
Example of a transitional home office design in Denver

This contemporary kitchen was part of a whole house renovation in East York Toronto. Although the footprint of this space was small, substantial improvements were made to make the kitchen much more function. The stack on the opposite side of the kitchen was reduced (often done in these homes in the area to take back space), and full height cabinetry and built-in fridge with additional countertop space were added. The opening by the sink also includes shelving rather than cabinet uppers to let more light in and reduce the original closed in feeling. On the cooking side of the kitchen effort was made to optimize the use of cabinets with more drawers and choose white finishes to make it as bright and open as possible. Custom wood floors added warmth, contrast, and durability needed to make the kitchen more comfortable.