Search results for "Space optimization" in Home Design Ideas

Modern Apartment Interior Fit-Out and Renovation Masterpiece
In the heart of Dubai’s vibrant urban landscape, Antonovich Group has once again redefined luxury living with the completion of a stunning modern apartment interior fit-out and renovation project. Renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design solutions, Antonovich Group has transformed a bare apartment into a sophisticated sanctuary that seamlessly blends style, functionality, and cutting-edge technology. This project exemplifies their expertise in modern apartment interior fit-out, furniture design, and renovation execution, setting a new benchmark for elite residential spaces.
Comprehensive Interior Fit-Out Solutions
Antonovich Group’s interior fit-out services were pivotal in bringing this project to life. The fit-out process involved transforming the raw space into a fully functional apartment, complete with custom installations and high-end finishes. Key elements of the fit-out included:
• Space Optimization: The team employed clever space-planning techniques to maximize the apartment’s layout, creating an open-plan design that promotes seamless movement between living, dining, and kitchen areas. Glass partitions and sliding doors were used to maintain privacy without sacrificing the airy feel.
• Premium Materials: High-quality materials such as marble flooring, hardwood accents, and sleek metal finishes were incorporated to add a touch of sophistication. These materials not only elevate the aesthetic but also ensure durability and longevity.
• Smart Home Integration: The apartment features a state-of-the-art smart home system, including automated lighting, voice-controlled appliances, and climate control, enhancing convenience and modern living. This aligns with current trends in apartment renovations, as highlighted by Antonovich Group’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies.
Bespoke Furniture: The Heart of the Design
A standout feature of this project is the custom-made furniture designed and manufactured by Antonovich Group’s own production facilities. Each piece was tailored to complement the apartment’s modern aesthetic while maximizing functionality. Highlights include:
• Statement Seating: Plush sofas and armchairs in soft, neutral fabrics create inviting seating areas in the living room, prioritizing both comfort and style.
• Sleek Storage Solutions: Built-in wardrobes and cabinetry were designed to optimize space, incorporating hidden compartments and intelligent storage systems to keep the apartment clutter-free.
• Elegant Dining Set: A custom dining table with marble accents serves as a focal point, blending seamlessly with the open-plan layout and adding a touch of grandeur.
Renovation Execution: Precision and Craftsmanship
The renovation execution phase was where Antonovich Group’s expertise truly shone. The apartment required minor structural updates to accommodate the open-plan layout and smart home integrations. The team’s ability to perform these renovations without compromising the building’s fixed structure was a testament to their experience with high-end apartment projects.

At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space.
The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces.
The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality.
The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs.
Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas.
The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space.
The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces.
The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality.
The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs.
Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas.
The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.
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Modern Apartment Interior Fit-Out and Renovation Masterpiece
In the heart of Dubai’s vibrant urban landscape, Antonovich Group has once again redefined luxury living with the completion of a stunning modern apartment interior fit-out and renovation project. Renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design solutions, Antonovich Group has transformed a bare apartment into a sophisticated sanctuary that seamlessly blends style, functionality, and cutting-edge technology. This project exemplifies their expertise in modern apartment interior fit-out, furniture design, and renovation execution, setting a new benchmark for elite residential spaces.
Comprehensive Interior Fit-Out Solutions
Antonovich Group’s interior fit-out services were pivotal in bringing this project to life. The fit-out process involved transforming the raw space into a fully functional apartment, complete with custom installations and high-end finishes. Key elements of the fit-out included:
• Space Optimization: The team employed clever space-planning techniques to maximize the apartment’s layout, creating an open-plan design that promotes seamless movement between living, dining, and kitchen areas. Glass partitions and sliding doors were used to maintain privacy without sacrificing the airy feel.
• Premium Materials: High-quality materials such as marble flooring, hardwood accents, and sleek metal finishes were incorporated to add a touch of sophistication. These materials not only elevate the aesthetic but also ensure durability and longevity.
• Smart Home Integration: The apartment features a state-of-the-art smart home system, including automated lighting, voice-controlled appliances, and climate control, enhancing convenience and modern living. This aligns with current trends in apartment renovations, as highlighted by Antonovich Group’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies.
Bespoke Furniture: The Heart of the Design
A standout feature of this project is the custom-made furniture designed and manufactured by Antonovich Group’s own production facilities. Each piece was tailored to complement the apartment’s modern aesthetic while maximizing functionality. Highlights include:
• Statement Seating: Plush sofas and armchairs in soft, neutral fabrics create inviting seating areas in the living room, prioritizing both comfort and style.
• Sleek Storage Solutions: Built-in wardrobes and cabinetry were designed to optimize space, incorporating hidden compartments and intelligent storage systems to keep the apartment clutter-free.
• Elegant Dining Set: A custom dining table with marble accents serves as a focal point, blending seamlessly with the open-plan layout and adding a touch of grandeur.
Renovation Execution: Precision and Craftsmanship
The renovation execution phase was where Antonovich Group’s expertise truly shone. The apartment required minor structural updates to accommodate the open-plan layout and smart home integrations. The team’s ability to perform these renovations without compromising the building’s fixed structure was a testament to their experience with high-end apartment projects.

At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space.
The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces.
The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality.
The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs.
Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas.
The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

Our recent project in the West Village involved a comprehensive kitchen and bathroom remodel, focusing on innovative design elements to enhance functionality and aesthetics. In the kitchen, we incorporated vibrant green cabinets to infuse a sense of freshness and modernity. Breaking down a wall transformed the closed kitchen into an open space, promoting a seamless connection with the living areas. The bathroom, despite its small size, was optimized for usability. Green tiles were chosen not only for their visual appeal but also to create a soothing atmosphere. The strategic use of space maximized storage and usability. As part of the overall renovation, we refinished the floors, providing a cohesive and polished look throughout. Additionally, closet doors were installed, contributing to organized and clutter-free living. This West Village project showcases our commitment to blending style and functionality, resulting in a transformed living space that meets the unique needs of our clients.

Our recent project in the West Village involved a comprehensive kitchen and bathroom remodel, focusing on innovative design elements to enhance functionality and aesthetics. In the kitchen, we incorporated vibrant green cabinets to infuse a sense of freshness and modernity. Breaking down a wall transformed the closed kitchen into an open space, promoting a seamless connection with the living areas. The bathroom, despite its small size, was optimized for usability. Green tiles were chosen not only for their visual appeal but also to create a soothing atmosphere. The strategic use of space maximized storage and usability. As part of the overall renovation, we refinished the floors, providing a cohesive and polished look throughout. Additionally, closet doors were installed, contributing to organized and clutter-free living. This West Village project showcases our commitment to blending style and functionality, resulting in a transformed living space that meets the unique needs of our clients.

At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space.
The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces.
The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality.
The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs.
Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas.
The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space.
The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces.
The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality.
The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs.
Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas.
The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space.
The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces.
The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality.
The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs.
Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas.
The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space.
The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces.
The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality.
The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs.
Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas.
The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income.
FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own.
SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio.
MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch.
SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf)
RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property.
COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort.
ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements.
OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income.
PROJECT TEAM
ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer
A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor
Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry
Lisa Finch - Original Artwork
European Architectural Supply - Windows
Eric Roth Photography - Photography

We were asked to help transform a cluttered, half-finished common area to an organized, multi-functional homework/play/lounge space for this family of six. They were so pleased with the desk setup for the kids, that we created a similar workspace for their office. In the midst of designing these living areas, they had a leak in their kitchen, so we jumped at the opportunity to give them a brand new one. This project was a true collaboration between owner and designer, as it was done completely remotely.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Columbus' Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

CSU transformed this kitchen into a timeless masterpiece. We said goodbye to outdated aesthetics and welcomed a fresh, modern look that combines functionality with elegance.
Starting with the heart of the kitchen, the painted White Dove cabinetry brings a bright and airy feel, enhancing the sense of space and openness. Complemented by luxurious quartzite countertops, the kitchen surfaces are not only stunning but also durable and easy to maintain, ensuring they withstand the test of time.
The focal point of the kitchen is the meticulously crafted tile backsplash. The herringbone pattern over the stove adds a touch of sophistication and texture. Paired with the warmth of hardwood flooring, seamlessly filled in where cabinets were relocated, this kitchen exudes a cozy yet contemporary ambiance.
With the sink moved from its awkward corner space, the kitchen's flow is enhanced, making meal prep and cleanup a breeze. The new, farmhouse sink is perfectly positioned to optimize functionality and style. With polished nickel faucets and amazing gold pendants, every detail exudes luxury and refinement.
The ventilation system was upgraded from a downdraft to a sleek recirculating hood, ensuring optimal air quality while maintaining a seamless aesthetic.
The new design embraces the practicality of a redesigned layout, transitioning from a double-height peninsula to an L-shaped configuration, maximizing counter space and efficiency. Cabinets have been skillfully relocated to accommodate a new slide-in range, complete with convenient spice cabinets on each side, ensuring the culinary essentials are always within reach.
With our meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality craftsmanship, this kitchen remodel is not just a renovation but a transformational experience, tailored to the owners' unique styles and needs. Say hello to a kitchen that is as functional as it is beautiful, a space where memories are made, and culinary dreams come to life.

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income.
DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request.
MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic.
RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income.
ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them.
URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances.
OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values.
Eric Roth Photo

This West Asheville small house is on an ⅛ acre infill lot just 1 block from the Haywood Road commercial district. With only 840 square feet, space optimization is key. Each room houses multiple functions, and storage space is integrated into every possible location.
The owners strongly emphasized using available outdoor space to its fullest. A large screened porch takes advantage of the our climate, and is an adjunct dining room and living space for three seasons of the year.
A simple form and tonal grey palette unify and lend a modern aesthetic to the exterior of the small house, while light colors and high ceilings give the interior an airy feel.
Photography by Todd Crawford

This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income.
FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own.
SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio.
MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch.
SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf)
RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property.
COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort.
ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements.
OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income.
PROJECT TEAM
ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer
A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor
Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry
Lisa Finch - Original Artwork
European Architectural Supply - Windows
Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Columbus' Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard concrete paver patio vertical garden remodel in New York with no cover

Anchored by the homeowner’s 42-foot-long painting, the interiors of this Palm Springs residence were designed to showcase the owner’s art collection, and create functional spaces for daily living that can be easily adapted for large social gatherings.
Referencing the environment and architecture in both form and material, the finishes and custom furnishings bring the interior to life. Alluding to the roofs that suspend over the building, the sofas seem to hover above the carpets while the knife-edge table top appears to float above a metal base. Bleached and cerused wood mimic the “desert effect” that would naturally occur in this environment, while the textiles on the sofa are the same shade as the rocks of the landscape.
Monolithic concrete floors connect all of the spaces while concealing mechanical systems, and stone thresholds signal vertical level changes and exterior transitions. Large wall masses provide the optimal backdrop for the homeowner’s oversized art. The wall structures ground the interior, while the opposing expanses of glass frame the desert views. The location and use of operable doors and windows allows the house to naturally ventilate, reducing cooling loads. The furnishings create spaces in an architectural fashion.
Designed and fabricated for flexibility, the pieces easily accommodate the owners’ large social gatherings. The dining table can be split into two and the sofas can be pushed out along the walls, opening the center of the space to entertain. The design of the interior spaces and furnishings seamlessly integrates the setting, architecture, artwork and spaces into a cohesive whole.
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