Koi Pond in natural surrounding with stones and waterfall. Shows lighting and fountain for fun... a wider view with landscape design surrounding pond area.

Photo of a mid-sized asian partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Boston for spring.

Country powder room photo in Minneapolis with black walls and a wall-mount sink

View of kitchen from the dining room. Wall was removed between the two spaces to create better flow. Craftsman style custom cabinetry in both the dining and kitchen areas, including a built-in banquette with storage underneath.

This custom green vacation home designed by Colorado architect Dominique Gettliffe features a stucco exterior, straw bale insulation, solar hot water and other sustainable features. A large rolling glass door opens onto an open patio and a beautiful view of the valley.

Photo: Jim Bartsch Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept light wood floor and orange floor family room remodel in Santa Barbara with white walls

Strong horizontal lines and bold colors liven up this Eichler neighborhood. Uber green design features, passive solar design, and sustainable practices abound, making this small house a great place to live without making a large environmental footprint - Frank Paul Perez photo credit

The side of the island has convenient storage for cookbooks and other essentials. The strand woven bamboo flooring looks modern, but tones with the oak flooring in the rest of the house. Photos by- Michele Lee Willson

Inspiration for an industrial metal exterior home remodel in San Francisco

A classic black and white bath, in a 1910 home photo by Michele Lee Willson
Example of a mid-sized classic mosaic tile ceramic tile bathroom design in San Francisco with a pedestal sink, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

Architecture and interior design go hand in hand. Our highest priority is the quality of the space and The Retreat presented unique design opportunities. Bathed in natural light, the shower, which includes a re-circulating waterfall, occupies the center of the room, wrapped in cedar. The “tree”, which represents the earth, envelops water, the source of life. The remaining functions line the perimeter of the room. All the materials in the room are sustainable in accordance with current practices. The furniture is sustainable. The fabrics are sustainable. Even the art is sustainable! There is no excess, just the necessary components to create an inviting and comfortable environment to promote relaxation and well-being. Simple, clean, and contemporary, the Retreat is a place to unwind, take a nap, read, meditate – whichever your favorite way to relieve stress – indoors. Photography by Gordon Beall

David Heald
Photo of a farmhouse full sun vegetable garden landscape in New York.

Example of a trendy gray tile gray floor powder room design in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink and gray countertops

Image Courtesy © Michael Graydon
Inspiration for a coastal backyard concrete patio remodel in Boston with a roof extension

Miles off the highway, nearly to the end of a one way road, David Arkin and Anni Tilt’s design for this sustainable private residence combines Watershed Block, straw bale, and reclaimed redwood. The weight of the Watershed Block base, in some locations serving as retaining walls, creates both a structural and visual anchor to the lighter straw and wood components. The block veneer on the gunite walls of the lap pool rise directly from the ground. Architect : Arkin Tilt Architects Photo : Edward Caldwell

Photo of a mid-sized tropical partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Boston for spring.

Koi pond, waterfall, water element, pond
This is an example of a mid-sized tropical partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Boston for spring.

Photos by Alan K. Barley, AIA Walk-in pantry, pantry with window, window, wood floor, screened in porch, Austin luxury home, Austin custom home, BarleyPfeiffer Architecture (Best of Houzz 2015 for Design) , BarleyPfeiffer, wood floors, sustainable design, sleek design, pro work, modern, low voc paint, interiors and consulting, house ideas, home planning, 5 star energy, high performance, green building, fun design, 5 star appliance, find a pro, family home, elegance, efficient, custom-made, comprehensive sustainable architects, barley & Pfeiffer architects, natural lighting, AustinTX, Barley & Pfeiffer Architects, professional services, green design, Screened-In porch, Austin luxury home, Austin custom home, BarleyPfeiffer Architecture, wood floors, sustainable design, sleek design, modern, low voc paint, interiors and consulting, house ideas, home planning, 5 star energy, high performance, green building, fun design, 5 star appliance, find a pro, family home, elegance, efficient, custom-made, comprehensive sustainable architects, natural lighting, Austin TX, Barley & Pfeiffer Architects, professional services, green design, curb appeal, LEED, AIA, Featured in September 12th, 2014's Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/articles/the-rise-of-the-super-pantry-1410449896

The architectural vocabulary draws upon British Colonial precedents in the West Indies with masonry-stucco walls, a standing seam metal hip roof with a kick at the eaves, a wooden balcony supported by wood brackets on the more public street facade, and a wooden gallery atop hefty masonry columns framed with wood brackets on the more private waterfront façade. These features have been developed and refined over hundreds of years to accommodate comfortable living in the Caribbean and have evolved into a living tradition of beautiful vernacular architecture that is, as a result, truly sustainable. The covered outdoor spaces in conjunction with the protected courts, deep overhangs and operable wood shutters provide a sustainable home that respects the context and climate, maximizes energy-efficiency and minimizes environmental impact. The simple massing and layout of this house with its simple and flexible spaces can accommodate many different family types and lifestyles and can even change uses as market demands change over time. These characteristics together with a timeless elegance and beauty support the firmness, commodity and delight required for truly sustainable living.