This is a first floor remodel of a single family home in Castle Pines Colorado. Homeowner resides in Cave Creek Arizona and this was there summer home. We were able to accomplish this remodel over the winter months while the homeowner was away limiting the headache of living through a construction zone. As you can see we eliminated an unused dining space and replaced that with a walk in pantry and overall larger kitchen footprint. Then we removed the kneewall in the great room and replaced with railings and spindles. Included are before, during and after photos of the project.

Contemporary kitchen renovation in Colonial style home. The concept was to open up and remove the boxed in feeling of your typical colonial style homes. The existing spaces were almost unusable or impractical for functional use of the space. Furniture did not fit in the breakfast nook, dining area was too small and felt cramped and the kitchen was not functional for food preparation. The main living space in the home was opened up as much as possible to allow for as much natural light to enter form all side of the house. In this photo the wall between the large living room space and the entry stairwell was opened to create a larger open feel. The walls between the dining and kitchen areas were also opened to the living room to allow for views through the large picture window in the front of the house. Design and Photo by Dennis Diener

The backyard in this Dunwoody, GA residence presented several challenges, including failing cinder block walls, unsafe steps, and an aging deck. These issues rendered the space largely unusable and created drainage problems, limiting both safety and functionality for the homeowners. Our team addressed these issues by removing all existing structures and undertaking a comprehensive rebuild. This involved regrading the area for proper drainage, constructing new retaining walls, and installing integrated steps for safe access throughout the yard. Multiple paver patios were also installed to create defined entertaining areas. The outcome is a safe and highly functional outdoor living space in Dunwoody. The new retaining walls provide essential structural support, the drainage system manages stormwater effectively, and the integrated patios and walkways offer inviting areas for recreation and access.

This remodel project consisted of the primary (master) bathroom, bedroom, closet, hall bathroom, and laundry room. In the primary bathroom, we removed the walk-in shower, which felt cave-like, to add much-needed closet space. The unused jetted bath was then replaced with a zero-entry spa shower. Honed Grecian marble covers the floors and shower for a casually elevated sanctuary. In addition, the quiet texture of the shiplap balances the shower. To finish, a tranquil color pallet was chosen to sweep throughout the space, accented with matte black fixtures.

This is a first floor remodel of a single family home in Castle Pines Colorado. Homeowner resides in Cave Creek Arizona and this was there summer home. We were able to accomplish this remodel over the winter months while the homeowner was away limiting the headache of living through a construction zone. As you can see we eliminated an unused dining space and replaced that with a walk in pantry and overall larger kitchen footprint. Then we removed the kneewall in the great room and replaced with railings and spindles. Included are before, during and after photos of the project.

This is a first floor remodel of a single family home in Castle Pines Colorado. Homeowner resides in Cave Creek Arizona and this was there summer home. We were able to accomplish this remodel over the winter months while the homeowner was away limiting the headache of living through a construction zone. As you can see we eliminated an unused dining space and replaced that with a walk in pantry and overall larger kitchen footprint. Then we removed the kneewall in the great room and replaced with railings and spindles. Included are before, during and after photos of the project.

This remodel project consisted of the primary (master) bathroom, bedroom, closet, hall bathroom, and laundry room. In the primary bathroom, we removed the walk-in shower, which felt cave-like, to add much-needed closet space. The unused jetted bath was then replaced with a zero-entry spa shower. Honed Grecian marble covers the floors and shower for a casually elevated sanctuary. In addition, the quiet texture of the shiplap balances the shower. To finish, a tranquil color pallet was chosen to sweep throughout the space, accented with matte black fixtures.

This remodel project consisted of the primary (master) bathroom, bedroom, closet, hall bathroom, and laundry room. In the primary bathroom, we removed the walk-in shower, which felt cave-like, to add much-needed closet space. The unused jetted bath was then replaced with a zero-entry spa shower. Honed Grecian marble covers the floors and shower for a casually elevated sanctuary. In addition, the quiet texture of the shiplap balances the shower. To finish, a tranquil color pallet was chosen to sweep throughout the space, accented with matte black fixtures.

This remodel project consisted of the primary (master) bathroom, bedroom, closet, hall bathroom, and laundry room. In the primary bathroom, we removed the walk-in shower, which felt cave-like, to add much-needed closet space. The unused jetted bath was then replaced with a zero-entry spa shower. Honed Grecian marble covers the floors and shower for a casually elevated sanctuary. In addition, the quiet texture of the shiplap balances the shower. To finish, a tranquil color pallet was chosen to sweep throughout the space, accented with matte black fixtures.

This 1995 Hillsboro bathroom featured an unused bathtub, a toilet that was out in the open with no privacy, and a large window over the tub that felt too exposed. The space was transformed by removing the tub and creating a luxurious walk-in shower with dual showerheads and a bench. A privacy wall now encloses the toilet area, while a custom vanity and tall linen cabinet provide ample storage. The result is a modern, functional primary bathroom that feels like a spa and reflects the homeowners’ style.

This remodel project consisted of the primary (master) bathroom, bedroom, closet, hall bathroom, and laundry room. In the primary bathroom, we removed the walk-in shower, which felt cave-like, to add much-needed closet space. The unused jetted bath was then replaced with a zero-entry spa shower. Honed Grecian marble covers the floors and shower for a casually elevated sanctuary. In addition, the quiet texture of the shiplap balances the shower. To finish, a tranquil color pallet was chosen to sweep throughout the space, accented with matte black fixtures.

The Master Bathroom was completely gutted and re-designed. An unused spa tub was removed to allow for a double vanity and larger shower along with more pass through space. Grey porcelain tiles were used on the floor and shower walls to create a unified feel to the room. The white Carrera Marble vanity top is blended into the grey background by use of a mixed white and grey mosaic tile which is applied to define the two sink areas and their mirrors. The generous use of glass in the shower alcove makes it feel so much bigger than it is. A niche created in the tile wall is used for storage of shampoos and body washes.

This is a first floor remodel of a single family home in Castle Pines Colorado. Homeowner resides in Cave Creek Arizona and this was there summer home. We were able to accomplish this remodel over the winter months while the homeowner was away limiting the headache of living through a construction zone. As you can see we eliminated an unused dining space and replaced that with a walk in pantry and overall larger kitchen footprint. Then we removed the kneewall in the great room and replaced with railings and spindles. Included are before, during and after photos of the project.

The challenge was to creatively redesign a small, dated kitchen and family room into an open concept entertainment style kitchen with ample storage, a large island, and better preparation space. They also desired a mudroom with a drop station and closet, a powder room for guests, new hardwood flooring throughout the first floor, and a refinished staircase. The new design achieved all of this by the removal of structural walls and a closet, enlarging the living room entry, and pulling space from an unused dining room. The new design transformed the dated dysfunctional first floor into a dream-worthy entertainment space.

This remodel project consisted of the primary (master) bathroom, bedroom, closet, hall bathroom, and laundry room. In the primary bathroom, we removed the walk-in shower, which felt cave-like, to add much-needed closet space. The unused jetted bath was then replaced with a zero-entry spa shower. Honed Grecian marble covers the floors and shower for a casually elevated sanctuary. In addition, the quiet texture of the shiplap balances the shower. To finish, a tranquil color pallet was chosen to sweep throughout the space, accented with matte black fixtures.

This remodel project consisted of the primary (master) bathroom, bedroom, closet, hall bathroom, and laundry room. In the primary bathroom, we removed the walk-in shower, which felt cave-like, to add much-needed closet space. The unused jetted bath was then replaced with a zero-entry spa shower. Honed Grecian marble covers the floors and shower for a casually elevated sanctuary. In addition, the quiet texture of the shiplap balances the shower. To finish, a tranquil color pallet was chosen to sweep throughout the space, accented with matte black fixtures.

This remodel project consisted of the primary (master) bathroom, bedroom, closet, hall bathroom, and laundry room. In the primary bathroom, we removed the walk-in shower, which felt cave-like, to add much-needed closet space. The unused jetted bath was then replaced with a zero-entry spa shower. Honed Grecian marble covers the floors and shower for a casually elevated sanctuary. In addition, the quiet texture of the shiplap balances the shower. To finish, a tranquil color pallet was chosen to sweep throughout the space, accented with matte black fixtures.

This Oakland backyard was overgrown with 5’ tall grasses, it had an uneven concrete slab with a giant shed, brick edging and poorly located concrete retaining walls. After finalizing the design, a two-weeklong demolition took place. Unnecessary debris was removed and the property was terraced to provide defined areas of entertaining and play for the adults, children, and pets. The transformation from an unusable backyard to a functioning landscape was highlighted by an entertainment patio, redwood arbor, medicinal herbs, fruit trees, and a curvilinear shaped lawn. After the house remodel, we continued to unify the landscape with a new backdoor landing, moss rock retaining walls, and a flagstone pathway planted with shade tolerant ground covers.

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