Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Example of a transitional kitchen design in Minneapolis

Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in Boston with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and white countertops

Courtesy of Formica® Group
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in New York

West of Trail coastal-inspired residence in Granada Park. Located between North Siesta Key and Oyster Bay, this home is designed with a contemporary coastal look that embraces pleasing proportions, uncluttered spaces and natural materials. The Hibiscus, like all the homes in the gated enclave of Granada Park, is designed to maximize the maintenance-free lifestyle. Walk/bike to nearby shopping and dining, or just a quick drive Siesta Key Beach or downtown Sarasota. Custom-built by MGB Fine Custom Homes, this home blends traditional coastal architecture with the latest building innovations, green standards and smart home technology. High ceilings, wood floors, solid-core doors, solid-wood cabinetry, LED lighting, high-end kitchen, wide hallways, large bedrooms and sumptuous baths clearly show a respect for quality construction meant to stand the test of time. Green certification ensures energy efficiency, healthy indoor air, enhanced comfort and reduced utility costs. Smartphone home connectivity provides controls for lighting, data communication and security. Fortified for safer living, the well-designed floor plan features 2,464 square feet living area with 3 bedrooms, bonus room and 3.5 baths. The 20x20 outdoor great room on the second floor has grilling kitchen, fireplace and wall-mounted TV. Downstairs, the open living area combines the kitchen, dining room and great room. Other features include conditioned, standing-height storage room in the attic; impact-resistant, EnergyStar windows and doors; and the floor plan is elevator-ready.

Jacob Snavely Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room remodel in New York with white walls, a wall-mounted tv, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Complete Master Bath remodel. Closet space and an alcove were taken from the neighboring bedroom to expand the master bathroom space. That allowed us to create a large walk in shower, expand the vanity space and create a large single walk in closet for the homeowners. This made the entrance to the bathroom a single entrance from the master bedroom versus the hallway entrance the bathroom had previously. This allowed us to create a true master bathroom as part of the new master suite. The shower is tiled with rectangular gray tiles installed vertically in a brick pattern. We used a glass tile as an accent and gray hexagon mosaic stone on the floor. The bench is topped with the countertop material.

The area off the kitchen becomes the dedicated homework area for the family's two children. This allows the family to stay connected during their busy evenings.

Tuscan single front door photo in San Diego with a dark wood front door

Bruce Cole Photography
Example of a small farmhouse white exterior home design in Other with a shingle roof

- Custom mid-century modern furniture vanity - European-design patchwork shower tile - Modern-style toilet - Porcelain 12 x 24 field tile - Modern 3/8" heavy glass sliding shower door - Modern multi-function shower panel

James F. Wilson / courtesy BUILDER Magazine
Trendy white tile bathroom photo in Orlando

Elegant gable roof photo in Chicago

Photo by: Bill Timmerman, Architect : Ibarra Rosano Design Architects, Builder: Process Designs
Living room - large contemporary open concept concrete floor and gray floor living room idea in Phoenix with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and a metal fireplace

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

West of Trail coastal-inspired residence in Granada Park. Located between North Siesta Key and Oyster Bay, this home is designed with a contemporary coastal look that embraces pleasing proportions, uncluttered spaces and natural materials. The Hibiscus, like all the homes in the gated enclave of Granada Park, is designed to maximize the maintenance-free lifestyle. Walk/bike to nearby shopping and dining, or just a quick drive Siesta Key Beach or downtown Sarasota. Custom-built by MGB Fine Custom Homes, this home blends traditional coastal architecture with the latest building innovations, green standards and smart home technology. High ceilings, wood floors, solid-core doors, solid-wood cabinetry, LED lighting, high-end kitchen, wide hallways, large bedrooms and sumptuous baths clearly show a respect for quality construction meant to stand the test of time. Green certification ensures energy efficiency, healthy indoor air, enhanced comfort and reduced utility costs. Smartphone home connectivity provides controls for lighting, data communication and security. Fortified for safer living, the well-designed floor plan features 2,464 square feet living area with 3 bedrooms, bonus room and 3.5 baths. The 20x20 outdoor great room on the second floor has grilling kitchen, fireplace and wall-mounted TV. Downstairs, the open living area combines the kitchen, dining room and great room. Other features include conditioned, standing-height storage room in the attic; impact-resistant, EnergyStar windows and doors; and the floor plan is elevator-ready.

Photo by Peter Molick
Inspiration for a modern home office remodel in Houston with white walls

West of Trail coastal-inspired residence in Granada Park. Located between North Siesta Key and Oyster Bay, this home is designed with a contemporary coastal look that embraces pleasing proportions, uncluttered spaces and natural materials. The Hibiscus, like all the homes in the gated enclave of Granada Park, is designed to maximize the maintenance-free lifestyle. Walk/bike to nearby shopping and dining, or just a quick drive Siesta Key Beach or downtown Sarasota. Custom-built by MGB Fine Custom Homes, this home blends traditional coastal architecture with the latest building innovations, green standards and smart home technology. High ceilings, wood floors, solid-core doors, solid-wood cabinetry, LED lighting, high-end kitchen, wide hallways, large bedrooms and sumptuous baths clearly show a respect for quality construction meant to stand the test of time. Green certification ensures energy efficiency, healthy indoor air, enhanced comfort and reduced utility costs. Smartphone home connectivity provides controls for lighting, data communication and security. Fortified for safer living, the well-designed floor plan features 2,464 square feet living area with 3 bedrooms, bonus room and 3.5 baths. The 20x20 outdoor great room on the second floor has grilling kitchen, fireplace and wall-mounted TV. Downstairs, the open living area combines the kitchen, dining room and great room. Other features include conditioned, standing-height storage room in the attic; impact-resistant, EnergyStar windows and doors; and the floor plan is elevator-ready.

West of Trail coastal-inspired residence in Granada Park. Located between North Siesta Key and Oyster Bay, this home is designed with a contemporary coastal look that embraces pleasing proportions, uncluttered spaces and natural materials. The Hibiscus, like all the homes in the gated enclave of Granada Park, is designed to maximize the maintenance-free lifestyle. Walk/bike to nearby shopping and dining, or just a quick drive Siesta Key Beach or downtown Sarasota. Custom-built by MGB Fine Custom Homes, this home blends traditional coastal architecture with the latest building innovations, green standards and smart home technology. High ceilings, wood floors, solid-core doors, solid-wood cabinetry, LED lighting, high-end kitchen, wide hallways, large bedrooms and sumptuous baths clearly show a respect for quality construction meant to stand the test of time. Green certification ensures energy efficiency, healthy indoor air, enhanced comfort and reduced utility costs. Smartphone home connectivity provides controls for lighting, data communication and security. Fortified for safer living, the well-designed floor plan features 2,464 square feet living area with 3 bedrooms, bonus room and 3.5 baths. The 20x20 outdoor great room on the second floor has grilling kitchen, fireplace and wall-mounted TV. Downstairs, the open living area combines the kitchen, dining room and great room. Other features include conditioned, standing-height storage room in the attic; impact-resistant, EnergyStar windows and doors; and the floor plan is elevator-ready.