The compact footprint and efficient, cockpit-like, interior spaces serve their functions well without gratuity. A rooftop photovoltaic solar panel system offsets power consumption, and careful attention to natural day lighting and ventilation combined with a high efficiency radiant floor heating system help make the house a modest energy user. photo credit - John Ellis

SunPower® home solar panels can help lower your energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
Mid-sized minimalist exterior home photo in San Francisco

A small shed dormer provides headroom for the stairs that transform this attic into an elegant owners' suite with custom closet, dressing room, and ensuite bath. At the same time, the owners upgraded insulation and installed rooftop solar and air source heat pump to increase the comfort and efficiency of the entire home.

Just a small shed dormer provided essential headroom for the staircase that accesses a new owners’ retreat at the top of this home. The second floor now has space for a calm and efficient home office, convenient laundry, and a new front deck along with the children’s rooms. From the third floor and exterior, we dramatically improved energy performance with minimal impact to first and second floor interiors. Changes include continuous exterior insulation, high tech wrap, high-performance windows, rooftop solar, and new Air Source Heat Pumps that condition the upper two floors.

Renewable Energy Design Group

SunPower® home solar panels can help lower your energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
Example of a mid-sized trendy exterior home design in San Francisco

Trendy townhouse exterior photo in New York

Modern mahogany deck. On the rooftop, a perimeter trellis frames the sky and distant view, neatly defining an open living space while maintaining intimacy. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Photo by Ethan Pines
Patio - modern courtyard patio idea in Los Angeles

OVERVIEW Set into a mature Boston area neighborhood, this sophisticated 2900SF home offers efficient use of space, expression through form, and myriad of green features. MULTI-GENERATIONAL LIVING Designed to accommodate three family generations, paired living spaces on the first and second levels are architecturally expressed on the facade by window systems that wrap the front corners of the house. Included are two kitchens, two living areas, an office for two, and two master suites. CURB APPEAL The home includes both modern form and materials, using durable cedar and through-colored fiber cement siding, permeable parking with an electric charging station, and an acrylic overhang to shelter foot traffic from rain. FEATURE STAIR An open stair with resin treads and glass rails winds from the basement to the third floor, channeling natural light through all the home’s levels. LEVEL ONE The first floor kitchen opens to the living and dining space, offering a grand piano and wall of south facing glass. A master suite and private ‘home office for two’ complete the level. LEVEL TWO The second floor includes another open concept living, dining, and kitchen space, with kitchen sink views over the green roof. A full bath, bedroom and reading nook are perfect for the children. LEVEL THREE The third floor provides the second master suite, with separate sink and wardrobe area, plus a private roofdeck. ENERGY The super insulated home features air-tight construction, continuous exterior insulation, and triple-glazed windows. The walls and basement feature foam-free cavity & exterior insulation. On the rooftop, a solar electric system helps offset energy consumption. WATER Cisterns capture stormwater and connect to a drip irrigation system. Inside the home, consumption is limited with high efficiency fixtures and appliances. TEAM Architecture & Mechanical Design – ZeroEnergy Design Contractor – Aedi Construction Photos – Eric Roth Photography

Cinnamon Solar

Renewable Energy Design Group

This is an example of a contemporary full sun rooftop landscaping in Burlington.

Metal roof? No problem!

At the apex of a quiet cul de sac, with the Brunswick Commons trail meandering just footsteps from the backyard, an active retired couple wanted to build their forever home. They wanted the most efficient house they could build with at least 100% of the energy coming from their rooftop solar array. Even with a wall of pine trees directly to the south Michael Maines was able to design a house that, with high attention to detailing, we were able to make a net positive energy home. The 48 solar panels on the roof will make more than enough to power everything in the home and the extra will be credited toward the couple’s camp in northern Maine. Our diligent focus on air sealing paid off with a blower door shell test of .12 ACH50 (for comparison, passive house requires below .60 ACH50). With 12 inch thick double stud walls packed tight with recycled cellulose insulation, and heated and cooled with heat pumps, this house will stay comfortable all year round.

SunPower® home solar panels can help lower your energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
Small mountain style gray one-story exterior home photo