Trendy shed photo in Wichita

Design: modernedgedesign.com Photo: Edmunds Studios Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard concrete patio remodel in Milwaukee with a fire pit and a pergola

Photo by Bernard André
Inspiration for a timeless home theater remodel in San Francisco with a wall-mounted tv

Elegant l-shaped kitchen photo in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, paneled appliances, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash and subway tile backsplash

Huge trendy master white tile and marble tile marble floor bathroom photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, an undermount tub and gray walls

Santa Monica Beach House, Evens Architects - Master Bedroom Photo by Manolo Langis
Example of a beach style bedroom design in Los Angeles with white walls

Large elegant l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Detroit with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, wood countertops, green backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, medium tone wood cabinets and window backsplash

Frieda Kitchen
Trendy kitchen photo in Los Angeles with turquoise cabinets, shaker cabinets, black backsplash and mosaic tile backsplash

WHAT MAKES VILLA TERRA GREEN? 1. Rammed Earth and PISE Walls Beyond it’s beautiful qualities and “Old World” look, the rammed earth and PISE walls (pneumatically impacted stabilized earth) drastically reduce the use of trees for the initial wall framing lumber. And because this “Earth Structure” will far outlast any wood frame building, trees are again saved many times over, creating the foundation for the true model of sustainability. We have created a house that will essentially last forever, instead of having to be rebuilt every 50 to 75 years. The 18” thick PISE walls and concrete floors also provide thermal mass, an integral part of the passive solar design of the house. These features help keep the house naturally cooler in summer and retaining heat in winter, greatly reducing the heating and cooling loads and energy use. 2. High Content Fly Ash Concrete Foundation Use of high content (25%) fly ash (industrial waste byproduct) in place of Portland Cement results in reduction of energy consumption and green house gas emissions associated with Portland cement production (second only to petroleum in terms of carbon dioxide emissions). 3. Reclaimed Plumbing Fixtures All lavatory sinks and tubs were bought from salvage yards (tub is reportedly from the Jack Benny house in Hollywood). Reclaimed Carrara marble fountain has been made into the powder room sink. 4. Natural Daylighting Use of numerous skylights and high transom windows to reduce electrical lighting loads during the day. Natural daylighting also has documented benefits on mood, productivity, and enjoyment of the space. 5. Photo Voltaic Solar Panels Use of PV solar electric generation system to reduce electrical grid consumption, and bi-directional meter sends power back to the grid when it is needed most, on hot summer afternoons. 6. Hydronic Radiant Heat Floor Use of hydronic radiant floor heating system saves energy, is more efficient for residential heating, is more comfortable for inhabitants, and promotes superior indoor air quality over forced air systems. 7. Natural/Passive Ventilation Use of operable skylights operable high windows and ceiling fans, creates a natural convection current, thereby eliminating the need for an air conditioning system. 8. Passive Solar Design Use of extensive east and south facing glass, proper overhangs, high interior mass, deciduous grape vines on appropriately placed trellises, to passively heat the home in winter, and protect the house from unnecessary heat gain in summer. 9. Reclaimed Lumber - Douglas fir ceiling beams reclaimed from the Town & Country Village Shopping Center (now Santana Row) in San Jose. - Douglas fir ceiling decking reclaimed from the 118 year old Notre Dame High School in downtown San Jose. TJI joists reclaimed from the “Millenium Man” movie set in Alameda used for floor and roof framing. Redwood ceiling beams reclaimed from a Los Altos cabana/trellis. 10. Extensive Use of Other Reclaimed Materials Two antique reclaimed European stone fireplace mantles grace the family room and master bedroom fireplaces. Interior doors with glass knobs reclaimed from the original house located at the property. Two large terraces utilize used brick salvaged from at least 15 different locations. Courtyard fountain is tiled using recycled and restored ceramic tiles from a 1928 California Colonial house in Los Altos. Cabinet lumber from original house used for closet shelving. Plywood from crates that the windows and doors were delivered in were used to create garage shear walls. Foundation forms were salvaged and rip cut for use as interior stud walls. Garage doors were salvaged from a remodel project in Mountain View. 11. Ground Source Heat Pump - Ground source heat pump uses geothermal energy to heat the house and domestic water, greatly reducing natural gas and fossil fuel consumption. 12. Low VOC Paint Clay Plaster Wall Finishes VOC-free interior paint and stain finishes promotes healthy indoor air quality, reduces exacerbation of respiratory ailments such as asthma and lung cancer. Extensive use of American Clay Plaster integral color wall finish eliminates need for painted walls. 13. High Efficiency Windows Use of energy efficient dual pane thermal glazing with “Low e” coating at all doors and windows reduces heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, cutting energy use. 14. Engineered Structural Lumber Extensive use of engineered lumber for structural framing and sheathing reduces cutting of old growth forests, and encourages use of “crop lumber”. 15. FSC Certified Mill Work Extensive use of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified sustainable lumber products for cabinetry, hardwood flooring, trim, etc. further protects the environment through third party monitoring and certification of the entire supply chain. 16. Cotton Insulation Formaldehyde-free cotton insulation made from recycled blue jeans used extensively for attic insulation. photography by Frank Paul Perez

Photos by Josh Savage for Coastal Living Allison Ramsey Architects
Inspiration for a mid-sized tropical two-story wood exterior home remodel in Atlanta

Charles Parker/Images Plus
Example of a mid-sized transitional single-wall travertine floor utility room design in Burlington with a side-by-side washer/dryer, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops and white walls

Large elegant backyard stone patio photo in Grand Rapids with no cover

Herb Living Wall, Bright Green GroVert Frame
Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Los Angeles with recessed-panel cabinets, stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, white cabinets, white backsplash and stone slab backsplash

Residential Design by Heydt Designs, Interior Design by Benjamin Dhong Interiors, Construction by Kearney & O'Banion, Photography by David Duncan Livingston

Joe Fletcher Photography
Inspiration for a transitional formal and open concept living room remodel in San Francisco with a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Design: Ryan Jackson Photographs: Casey Dunn
Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in Austin with white walls and a standard fireplace

Inspiration for a timeless deck remodel in Portland

Inspiration for a modern living room remodel in San Francisco with gray walls and a stone fireplace

A bridal brunch was held on this warm day in May for a special client and a few friends. The dining room was designed by Charmean Neithart Interiors for the bride and her fiancé. The brunch was held in honor of the their approaching wedding and to break in the new dining room. The tabletop designed by Charmean Neithart is part of this new concept in bridal showers called "Tabletop Shower". CNI prepared a quick brunch for a few friends and at the end of the brunch the bride to be keeps the entire tabletop, including a first set of china, flatware, tablecloth etc. We all had great fun celebrating in their newly decorated dining room and honoring the beautiful bride to be. Photos by Erika Bierman www.erikabiermanphotography.com