Krista Schuhwerck
Garage - traditional detached garage idea in Minneapolis

The bridge extends through the home and becomes a cantilevered deck. #FOASmallSpaces Photo credit: Louis Habeck
Small industrial exterior home idea in Other

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

Kim Smith Photo
Rustic exterior home idea in New York

Krista Schuhwerck
Inspiration for a timeless detached garage remodel in Minneapolis

Imagine a lazy morning in this casually elegant kitchen, sipping your freshly brewed coffee as natural light pours through floor to ceiling windows. Then imagine being in this kitchen sipping your morning coffee and gazing out at the beautiful rolling landscape of one of New England’s prestigious golf clubs. Imagine . . . The owner of this beautiful contemporary kitchen with its idyllic setting imagined ! And her kitchen designer captured her imagination and brought this inspired space to life in both style and function. Columns of stainless steel are balanced by columns with the warmth of birch wood with just a hint of stain. On an adjacent wall one more wood column rises from floor to ceiling. A strong horizontal line of cabinetry seemingly intersects the vertical columns. While contemporary in design, the cabinetry in this kitchen found its beginnings with the Shakers and the designers of the Craftsman period. Increasing the size of the framing on the doors, accenting the cabinet shapes with square-edged trim and blocks of wood at varying depths, thinly slicing and randomly sizing the natural stone on the accent wall, and choosing oversized stainless steel handles definitively bring this kitchen forward in time. Recycled glass countertops in a soft, quiet color continue to help this kitchen live so harmoniously with its surroundings. As the day unfolds and the lazy morning turns into ambitious meal preparation, it is clear that this kitchen is a chef’s delight. The stainless steel columns incorporate double ovens, a microwave and a steam oven. Two wood columns house a refrigerator and a freezer. The separate wood column reveals pantry storage, and a TV is hidden behind a lift-up door. On the island with its clean, rectangular shape two dishwashers flank the sink. Imagine ! how much more pleasant the task of clean-up is when you overlook the family living space and vista beyond. In the cook center, a complement of drawers provides excellent storage for pots and pans, utensils, spices and herbs around the 5-burner cooktop. A powerful vent with a rear exhaust maintains the horizontal design of the space. And the freshly-brewed coffee in the morning ? It comes from a built-in coffee maker that’s just around the corner from the refrigerator. Along with a wine refrigerator, it creates a beverage and serving center between the kitchen and the dining room. The homeowner envisioned a kitchen that is as beautiful as its surroundings. Her kitchen designer wanted her kitchen to be as functional as it is beautiful. Both agree that this kitchen lives up to their expectations!

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

Michelle Pullman
Mid-century modern kitchen photo in Los Angeles

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

aga@agajphoto.com
Example of a minimalist light wood floor kitchen/dining room combo design in San Francisco with white walls

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2016 Houzz
Example of an eclectic dining room design in Portland

Imagine a lazy morning in this casually elegant kitchen, sipping your freshly brewed coffee as natural light pours through floor to ceiling windows. Then imagine being in this kitchen sipping your morning coffee and gazing out at the beautiful rolling landscape of one of New England’s prestigious golf clubs. Imagine . . . The owner of this beautiful contemporary kitchen with its idyllic setting imagined ! And her kitchen designer captured her imagination and brought this inspired space to life in both style and function. Columns of stainless steel are balanced by columns with the warmth of birch wood with just a hint of stain. On an adjacent wall one more wood column rises from floor to ceiling. A strong horizontal line of cabinetry seemingly intersects the vertical columns. While contemporary in design, the cabinetry in this kitchen found its beginnings with the Shakers and the designers of the Craftsman period. Increasing the size of the framing on the doors, accenting the cabinet shapes with square-edged trim and blocks of wood at varying depths, thinly slicing and randomly sizing the natural stone on the accent wall, and choosing oversized stainless steel handles definitively bring this kitchen forward in time. Recycled glass countertops in a soft, quiet color continue to help this kitchen live so harmoniously with its surroundings. As the day unfolds and the lazy morning turns into ambitious meal preparation, it is clear that this kitchen is a chef’s delight. The stainless steel columns incorporate double ovens, a microwave and a steam oven. Two wood columns house a refrigerator and a freezer. The separate wood column reveals pantry storage, and a TV is hidden behind a lift-up door. On the island with its clean, rectangular shape two dishwashers flank the sink. Imagine ! how much more pleasant the task of clean-up is when you overlook the family living space and vista beyond. In the cook center, a complement of drawers provides excellent storage for pots and pans, utensils, spices and herbs around the 5-burner cooktop. A powerful vent with a rear exhaust maintains the horizontal design of the space. And the freshly-brewed coffee in the morning ? It comes from a built-in coffee maker that’s just around the corner from the refrigerator. Along with a wine refrigerator, it creates a beverage and serving center between the kitchen and the dining room. The homeowner envisioned a kitchen that is as beautiful as its surroundings. Her kitchen designer wanted her kitchen to be as functional as it is beautiful. Both agree that this kitchen lives up to their expectations!

Example of a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor home bar design in Charlotte with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets and quartz countertops

design christina loucks photo heidi geldhauser
Example of a mid-century modern bedroom design in New York

Our client wanted a SIP built home and we incorporated this and many other energy and sustainability features into this home which was in the Sheboygan County Parade of Homes. Named "The Green Balanced Home", this project was all about creating practical and stunning living spaces that combined with sound environmental building materials and methods. By showcasing an assortment of leading-edge- green technologies, the Green Balanced Home was the talk of the Parade that year. In cooperation with our client, our methodology was: Start with the site: 1. Protected tree lines 2. Drought resistant vegetation 3. High proportion of natural, plantings versus higher maintenance lawn 4. Optimal home placement on lot for solar exposure 5. Narrower streets Build a high thermal envelope: 1. R-10 Gold Guard laminated EPS foam under basement, garage, and patio. 2. R-10 Gold Guard laminated EPS foam around exterior foundation walls. 3. R-10 ESP foam "shirt" around foundation 4. R-24 Structural Insulated panels (SIPs) for exterior walls, including garage 5. Sprayed foam in basement box sills and attic separation walls 6. R-15 garage door 7. R-60 blown cellulose attic insulation Add efficient heating, cooling, ventilation, and electric utilization elements: 1. High efficiency fireplace with auxiliary ducting 2. Pull-out exterior wood-loading drawer 3. Air-to-air heat pump 4. 95% efficient, ultra-quiet variable capacity furnace 5. 19 SEER air conditioner 6. Five zones with programmable thermostats 7. Heat reclamation from hot water usage 8. LED lighting 9. Skylights 10. Energy Star appliances 11. Prep for in-floor heating system 12. Prep for photovoltaic (PV) solar 13. Prep for solar hot water Incorporate water conservation: 1. Rain water recapture for toilet flushing and irrigation 2. Motion activated hot water circulation system 3. Power flush toilets 4. Dual flush toilets Create high indoor air quality: 1. HEPA and UV filters 2. Air-to-air exchanger 3. Ultra-quiet bathroom fans with moisture sensor activation Integrate sustainable, efficient materials: * Expanded polystyrene (ESP) foam that does not emit HCFC "greenhouse" gases * Oriented strand board (OSB) based siding, trim, and shutters * SIPs panels that contain ESP an OSB * Carpeting pads made from recycled materials * Stewardship-certified cabinet manufacturing * Job site recycling and reduce waste with SIPs

Krista Schuhwerck
Elegant detached garage photo in Minneapolis

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.