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LEED Certification Level: V4
Builder: BPC Green Builders, LLC
Architect: Trillium Architects.
The Taft School faculty home serves as a high performance residence and learning lab for students. The project also earned certification through ENERGY STAR, Indoor airPLUS, Water Sense, PHIUS, and Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Homes with Living Building Challenge Petal recognition pending. The project team was honored with third place in the 2014 Connecticut Zero Energy Home Challenge. Excluding the photovoltaic installation the HERS index was 33, and with the 13.1 kW the HERS index is -14. A year of utility bills show the home is producing more electricity than it uses.
Located on a quiet street adjacent to campus the existing, historic home was deconstructed and materials donated or reused where possible. Challenged to find high efficiency windows that were historic commission acceptable, the team installed Klearwall awnings or casements over fixed glass (to mimic double hungs) with simulated divided lites (u-values as low as 0.13). A high solar heat gain coefficient (0.58) facilitates the passive solar gain for winter months, while well designed overhangs and a pergola shade summer sun. Double stud walls have 2¼” closed cell foam plus 8½” dense pack cellulose for a R-49 cavity. The exterior sheathing is R-6.6 Zip Wall System with taped seams to create the continuous air barrier. Inside the solid concrete foundation is 3” closed cell foam behind 2x4 stud walls and R-32 cellulose in the cavity. Prefabricated TJI joists frame the attic floor, an insulated “room” houses the heat recovery ventilator and ductwork, and blown in cellulose blankets it all in R-86. The house tested 0.6ACH50 proving the effectiveness of its air-tight envelope and attention to air sealing.
Heating and cooling is provided by efficient air source heat pumps (9.2 HSPF, 16.5 SEER) and delivered by short duct runs which tested extremely tight. A heat pump water heater provides domestic hot water and an on-demand switch, with an occupancy sensor at each bath, ensures hot water is delivered fast and efficiently. Low flow fixtures are WaterSense certified, appliances are Energy Star labeled, and all LED lighting. A Zehnder Novus 300 (93.3% efficient) HRV supplies 112 cfm of continuous fresh air while using only 32 watts of power and running quietly. The homeowners control the mechanical ventilation through the intuitive wall-mounted control pad to shut off or increase the ventilation. Chemicals and contaminants were reduced by using low VOC and GreenGuard certified sealants, adhesives, primers, and paints. A walk-off matt at the side entry and hardwood floors help control dirt and dust. The granite front steps were salvaged and local stone used for the patio and stone walls. Storm water runoff from the roof, patio, and driveway is managed by the rain garden. The native landscaping is low maintenance, a community garden produces vegetables, and the chicken coop is powered by its own roof mounted PV panels.
Taft School Director of Environmental Stewardship, Carly Borken has used the design and construction process as a teaching tool for her science classes. With access to the home monitoring system they can virtually access the residents’ consumption.

Budapest, Hungary | Dublin-based O'Donnell + Tuomey collaborated with the Hungarian architectural, firm M-Teampannon, to refurbish and enhance Budapest's Central European University – a U.S.- and Hungarian-accredited graduate school which focuses on social sciences and humanities. The 34€ million project plans include a five-story library, a cafe and an expanded auditorium and a rooftop terrance featuring BLL USA's patent-pending Black Locust Permeable Pavers.

Michael Moran/OTTO Photography
This LEED-certified project was a substantial rebuild of a 1960s home, preserving the original foundation to the extent possible, with a small amount of new area, a reconfigured floor plan, and newly envisioned massing. The design is simple and modern, with floor to ceiling glazing along the rear, connecting the interior living spaces to the landscape. The design process was informed by building science best practices, including solar orientation, triple glazing, rainscreen exterior cladding, and a thermal envelope that far exceeds code requirements.
Find the right local pro for your project

Featuring Thermador Luxury Appliances. A Thermador kitchen is more luxurious, more efficient and more beautiful than any other kitchen: Thermador has been at the forefront of fusing the art and science of design and ingenuity for seven decades. Plessers Appliances is a Authorized Thermador dealer and carries the full line of Thermador Appliances. Call 1-877-957-5377 and speak with one of our experts. Thermador has restricted distribution of their appliances to 150 miles of our retail store.

Create an enchanting atmosphere of moody romance in your home with our deep red and pink rug, elegantly complemented by artistic brown-black accents. Constructed from 100% premium EnduraStran nylon yarn, this rug is a timeless addition to any room. Its machine-loomed design and low pile height make it a breeze to clean, making it an ideal choice for households with children and pets. Utilizing cutting-edge dying techniques, this rug beautifully showcases vintage charm with antique motifs, intricate detailing, and a hint of graceful distressing. Elevate your traditional, farmhouse, maximalist, vintage/antique or boho space with a rug that is the perfect blend of allure, style and durability.
Features:
--Made of durable commercial-grade premium EnduraStran nylon yarn.
--Art and science meld with our PrecisionPoint Custom Yarn Dye System allowing for supreme colorfastness.
--U/V fade-, stain-, and fire-resistant; Ideal for high-traffic and family-friendly areas, like living room, family room, den and bedroom.
--Serged edges provide long-lasting wear and reduced fraying.
---Synthetic Loc-Bak backing ensures rug lays flat and won’t curl.
--CRI Green Label Plus™ Certified for improved indoor air quality.
--Family- and pet-friendly low pile is approx. 3/8"H; easy to care for, vacuum and spot clean with water.
--Made in the USA; Our rugs are made for you at the time you place your order, so there's no stock sitting in warehouses. Please allow two weeks for manufacture and shipping on regular-sized items (for oversized items, please allow up to 4 weeks).

Waverly Cove sold out in April 2021. Located within the Pilgrim Triton master plan, Waverly Cove offers 20 townhomes with 3 bedrooms and 3-3.5 bathrooms in approx. 2,300 sq. Ft. These are the ideal low-maintenance townhomes that live like a single-family home, with spacious rooms for entertainment and inviting outdoor decks.
Each plan offers outdoor decks in the living area and off the bedrooms (per plan).
- Plan 1 offers 5 decks - 1: family room, 2: kitchen 3: dining room, 4: bedroom two, 5: master bedroom
- Plan 2 offers 3-4 decks - 2a 1: family room, 2: dining room, 3: bedroom two, plan 2b 4: master bedroom
- Plan 3 offers 1 amazing deck at the master bedroom area!
This community offers a great commute location close to HWY 101, excellent schools, close proximity to charming downtown San Mateo, and conveniently located near top employers like Visa, Gilead Sciences, Sony PlayStation, Illumina, Fisher Investments, Guckenheimer Inc, and Rakuten.
Schools:
• Audubon Elementary
• Bowditch Middle School
• San Mateo High School
650-335-8106 or waverlysales@shhomes.com
Community: 156 Atlantis Lane, Foster City, CA 94404

Caftari is a premium clean fragrance brand offering non toxic perfume, perfume oil rollerballs and luxury candle gift sets. Our aromatherapy candles and fragrances are designed to support stress relief, relaxation and overall wellness through the science of scent.

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Totaro
Example of a minimalist home theater design in Philadelphia
Example of a minimalist home theater design in Philadelphia

Twins on 12th - HER ROOM - View the complete Photo Gallery and project details at motivinteriors.com/portfolio
Design: MOTIV Interiors LLC
Photography: Sam Angel
Design Challenge: This 8 year-old boy and girl were outgrowing their existing setup and needed to update their rooms with a plan that would carry them forward into middle school and beyond. In addition to gaining storage and study areas, could these twins show off their big personalities? Absolutely, we said! MOTIV Interiors tackled the rooms of these youngsters living in Nashville's 12th South Neighborhood and created an environment where the dynamic duo can learn, create, and grow together for years to come.
Design Solution:
In her room, we wanted to create a fun-filled space that supports softball, sleepovers, science, and anything else a girl might want to get into. The star of the show is a beautiful hand-printed wallpaper by Brooklyn designer Aimee Wilder, whose FSC-certified papers contain no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). That means that in addition to packing a powerful visual punch, they meet our standard for excellent indoor air quality. We also love this wallpaper because it is composed of so many different neutral colors - this room can organically evolve over time without necessarily replacing the paper (which was installed with a no-VOC adhesive).
We refreshed the remaining walls with a scrubbable no-VOC paint from Sherwin Williams (7008 Alabaster) and gave the carpets in both of the twins’ rooms a good cleaning and simple stretch as opposed to replacing them. In order to provide more functional light in her room, we incorporated a corner floor lamp for reading, a telescoping desk lamp for studying, and an eye-catching LED flower pendant on a dimmer switch sourced from Lightology. Custom window treatments in a linen/cotton blend emphasize the height of the room and bring in a little “bling” with antiqued gold hardware.
Before we even thought about aesthetics, however, MOTIV Interiors got to work right away on increasing functionality. We added a spacious storage unit with plenty of baskets for all of our young client’s animal friends, and we made sure to include ample shelf space for books and hobbies as she finds new passions to explore down the road. We always prefer eco-friendly furnishings that are manufactured responsibly, made with sustainably harvested wood (FSC Certified), and use no glue or non-toxic glues and paints.
The bedding in this project is 100% cotton and contains no synthetic fibers. When purchasing bedding, check for the GOTS Certification (Global Organic Textile Standard). The introduction of a desk and drawer unit created a calming space to study and reflect, or write a letter to a friend. Gold accents add a bit of warmth to the workspace, where she can display her memories, goals, and game plans for a bright future.
We hope you enjoyed this project as much as we did! Each design challenge is an opportunity to push the envelope, by creating a new and exciting aesthetic or finding creative ways to incorporate sustainable design principles.

The homes in Heritage Hills in Chapel Hill, NC are representative of the popularity and explosive growth of American Home Ownership that occurred during the economic expansion that followed the end of WW II. They were designed and built to foster the benefits and sense of “community”, where families could come together and share theirs and their children’s lives. They are typically in very desirable locations within their larger communities, and remodeling them with modern amenities, increasing the performance and efficiency of them, and having them Green Certified (independent third-party verified) makes them extremely attractive to buyers, and helps to raise other property values within the neighborhood.
Green Certified Remodeled Homes offer significant value and advantage in the marketplace over similar homes in their area, which is especially important as a new, younger era of home buyers enter the market. Current trends suggest that younger (as well as many “seasoned”) homeowners are interested in smaller, more efficient (and thus affordable) homes situated closer to shopping, their work, entertainment opportunities, and access to the economic and environmental benefits of mass transit.
These older homes also offer an additional value that is continuing to gain visibility and appreciation in the market place. They were built from lumber from slower-growth trees (denser and harder wood), and as such offer superior structural support compared to the same home built using lumber from today’s faster-growing (softer and less-dense wood) trees.
Robin and Kent had lived in their 2-story Gambrel Roof home in Heritage Hills since 1994. The house was structurally sound, due in large part to the old-growth (and denser) yellow pine that was used in its framing. They loved the quiet neighborhood, its sense of community and amenities, and their home. It suited their life-style and needs; and they had decided that they would remain in the home. It was showing its age, and was in need of general repairs and maintenance, and its energy, water, and indoor air quality performance was continuing to increase their ongoing cost of ownership.
Robin loved the screen porch that looked out on their private and nicely landscaped back yard, but she wanted to be able to use it in the colder months of the year. She was unsatisfied with the kitchen and the mud room / laundry room, and the darkness of other living spaces. A previous water leak in the laundry room had resulted in a large patch of mold that had compromised flooring, wall board, and insulation and contributed to the homes reduced indoor air quality.
The home lacked insulation in the crawl, and inadequate insulation in the attic. The single HVAC unit had been replaced a few years earlier with a more efficient unit, but with a single programmable thermostat control on the first floor and aging and un-insulated ducting, the second floor was often over-heated in the summer months.
The original wood windows had begun to deteriorate and were drafty and inefficient, and the original wood-burning fireplace was an open conduit for escaping conditioned air as well as an inlet for wood-smoke smelling air being pulled into the home. The siding had been replaced a few years earlier with a cement-fiber product, but the exterior wood trim was compromised and beginning to look unsightly. Its original architecture had been altered over the years in ways that presented ongoing maintenance and durability issues, as well as disrupting the elegance of the original design.
Kent has worked for over 30 years in the Environmental Sciences field, and is considered to be a national expert in understanding the sources of, and human exposure to pollutants in indoor environments. He had always been very conscious and cautious about the effects on indoor air quality that the construction, furnishings, and products used in home had on him and his family.
Project Goals
Increase the performance of their home by improving energy efficiency by at least 40% and lowering their natural gas and electric utility costs.
Increase the performance of their home by reducing water usage by at least 40% and lowering the water utility costs.
Increase the comfort of their home that was being compromised by an inadequate HVAC design, inadequate insulation, inefficient and compromised wood windows, and copious air intrusions and drafts.
Improve the healthiness of the homes indoor air quality that was being compromised by an open wood-burning fireplace, and prior water intrusion that had allowed colonies of mold to thrive.
Create a new Kitchen, Family Room, Home Office, Mudroom, and Laundry Room that featured some of the latest designs and trends and harmonized with the rest of the homes charm.
Increase the usefulness and aesthetics of the screened porch by creating a warm and inviting semi-conditioned 3-Season Room that extended the times during the year that it was comfortable.
Introduce day-lighting into areas of the home that were dark and uninviting.
Brighten and harmonize all of the interior finishes.
Protect and restore the exterior of the home with superior-performing products and finishes.
Achieve Gold Level Green Home Certification in conformance with the ICC 700-2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS).

Meet Mary Strong.
Mary has over 20 years experience in residential and commercial interior design. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Nesbitt School of Design at Drexel University.
Strong relocated to the Houston area in 2008 from New York, and loves the diversity of Houston because it allows her to work with many different home styles. She enjoys interacting with people, and her skills and experience create beautiful results for her new and returning clients.
Mary's preferred style is what she calls “today's traditional.” It is a mix of old and new; a fresh version of traditional design. One of her specialties is window treatments. She works closely with Star's drapery designers to create custom treatments for her clients' homes.
Contact Mary Strong and let her know that you found her on Houzz.com.
Webpage: https://www.starfurniture.com/mary-strong
Address: Star Furniture, 16666 Barker Springs Road, Houston, TX
Phone: 281-492-5494
Email: mstrong@starfurniture.com

The Dallas Builders Association Home of the Week features a chic French Country design located at 129 Old Bridge Rd in Waxahachie. This lovely 1-story home offers 2550 square feet of comfortable and elegant open interior space including 4 bedrooms, an Office Space, 3 full baths, and 2 oversized -car garages with 10’ Cedar doors.
This home is in gated Estates of Garden Valley, a sought-after community located in Waxahachie. Just 30 minutes from downtown Dallas, this location offers easy access to Hwy 287 and Interstate 35E. Estates students attend Waxahachie ISD schools.
CRUX offers keen attention to details of style and function matched with the integrity of our brand, and superior customer care. Being a spec custom home builder, we take very seriously the trust invested in us, to make decisions and selections for our home buyers.
President Siyan Fayiga is a professional engineer and has a great understanding of the science behind building a house and an outstanding sense of taste and fashion.
Priced at $714,900, this home possesses incredible curb appeal and is on a generously sized water-front lot. The double mahogany doors open to a comfortable living space with an open layout. The large windows offer an abundance of natural light and unobstructed views of the water from several rooms. Finishes include engineered hardwood and tile. A gorgeous owner’s retreat features a frameless glass shower, a freestanding bathtub with jacuzzi prewiring, and a large walk-in closet with a built-in granite-topped chest of drawers. The color scheme is inspired by travertine, white accents, dark wood stain and bronze hardware.
Other features include a spacious rear porch wired and plumbed for an outdoor kitchen and the potential for a second-floor bonus room. The home is prewired for security and entertainment, with surround sound speakers in the living room and porch.
Smart home features include a tankless water heater with recirculation, Honeywell Smart Thermostats, connected smart appliances, and a Rain Bird Smart Irrigation Controller.
To visit this home, take Hwy 287 S from I35E; exit Brown Street; turn Left at the light; right onto Garden Valley Pkwy; left onto Cascade St., turn right onto Old Bridge Rd. Open house scheduled for October 7th 3-7pm and October 8th 12-4pm. For more information, contact Angelia Rubendall, Indwell Real Estate, at 469-908-0077 or acrubendall@gmail.com or visit www.BuiltByCrux.com.
This Home of the Week is presented by the Dallas Builders Association. For information on the Association please visit www.dallasbuilders.com.

Waverly Cove sold out in April 2021. Located within the Pilgrim Triton master plan, Waverly Cove offers 20 townhomes with 3 bedrooms and 3-3.5 bathrooms in approx. 2,300 sq. Ft. These are the ideal low-maintenance townhomes that live like a single-family home, with spacious rooms for entertainment and inviting outdoor decks.
Each plan offers outdoor decks in the living area and off the bedrooms (per plan).
- Plan 1 offers 5 decks - 1: family room, 2: kitchen 3: dining room, 4: bedroom two, 5: master bedroom
- Plan 2 offers 3-4 decks - 2a 1: family room, 2: dining room, 3: bedroom two, plan 2b 4: master bedroom
- Plan 3 offers 1 amazing deck at the master bedroom area!
This community offers a great commute location close to HWY 101, excellent schools, close proximity to charming downtown San Mateo, and conveniently located near top employers like Visa, Gilead Sciences, Sony PlayStation, Illumina, Fisher Investments, Guckenheimer Inc, and Rakuten.
Schools:
• Audubon Elementary
• Bowditch Middle School
• San Mateo High School
650-335-8106 or waverlysales@shhomes.com
Community: 156 Atlantis Lane, Foster City, CA 94404

Waverly Cove sold out in April 2021. Located within the Pilgrim Triton master plan, Waverly Cove offers 20 townhomes with 3 bedrooms and 3-3.5 bathrooms in approx. 2,300 sq. Ft. These are the ideal low-maintenance townhomes that live like a single-family home, with spacious rooms for entertainment and inviting outdoor decks.
Each plan offers outdoor decks in the living area and off the bedrooms (per plan).
- Plan 1 offers 5 decks - 1: family room, 2: kitchen 3: dining room, 4: bedroom two, 5: master bedroom
- Plan 2 offers 3-4 decks - 2a 1: family room, 2: dining room, 3: bedroom two, plan 2b 4: master bedroom
- Plan 3 offers 1 amazing deck at the master bedroom area!
This community offers a great commute location close to HWY 101, excellent schools, close proximity to charming downtown San Mateo, and conveniently located near top employers like Visa, Gilead Sciences, Sony PlayStation, Illumina, Fisher Investments, Guckenheimer Inc, and Rakuten.
Schools:
• Audubon Elementary
• Bowditch Middle School
• San Mateo High School
650-335-8106 or waverlysales@shhomes.com
Community: 156 Atlantis Lane, Foster City, CA 94404

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Totaro
Living room - modern living room idea in Philadelphia
Living room - modern living room idea in Philadelphia

Waverly Cove sold out in April 2021. Located within the Pilgrim Triton master plan, Waverly Cove offers 20 townhomes with 3 bedrooms and 3-3.5 bathrooms in approx. 2,300 sq. Ft. These are the ideal low-maintenance townhomes that live like a single-family home, with spacious rooms for entertainment and inviting outdoor decks.
Each plan offers outdoor decks in the living area and off the bedrooms (per plan).
- Plan 1 offers 5 decks - 1: family room, 2: kitchen 3: dining room, 4: bedroom two, 5: master bedroom
- Plan 2 offers 3-4 decks - 2a 1: family room, 2: dining room, 3: bedroom two, plan 2b 4: master bedroom
- Plan 3 offers 1 amazing deck at the master bedroom area!
This community offers a great commute location close to HWY 101, excellent schools, close proximity to charming downtown San Mateo, and conveniently located near top employers like Visa, Gilead Sciences, Sony PlayStation, Illumina, Fisher Investments, Guckenheimer Inc, and Rakuten.
Schools:
• Audubon Elementary
• Bowditch Middle School
• San Mateo High School
650-335-8106 or waverlysales@shhomes.com
Community: 156 Atlantis Lane, Foster City, CA 94404
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