Interactive Construction’s second Passive House shows that it is possible to achieve this high level of energy efficiency in even the tightest of lots. This build challenged the common assumption that you need a lot of south facing windows to achieve the Passive House certification. The relatively small solar gains from the limited southern exposure was made up for with an extremely tight air-barrier, a top of the line HRV, and higher R-values of insulation. To achieve the best indoor air quality, low-VOC products were used in the finishes. Solid Maple flooring was used throughout the upper levels to create a beautiful look without the chemicals found in engineered flooring. Aging-in-place was key to the design, with a central elevator and accessible door sizes and shower access. Smart design can make homes for versatile over their lifespan which reduces the need for costly renovations in the future. Both the indoor and outdoor areas blend to create tranquil and calm-inspiring spaces. What the homeowners had to say: Each area works well for its purpose. We love the stairs and the glass wall that separates the stairs from the living area. We love our windows, doors and skylights which give us so much light.

Succulents drip from the fountain while cheery yellow acacia and gazania flowers create warm winter color.
This is an example of a mediterranean landscaping in Santa Barbara.

Pork & beans (Sedum rubrotinctum) and blue chalk fingers (Senecio mandralicaea)
This is an example of a mediterranean landscaping in Santa Barbara.

All new products from Lowe's Countertop: Formica Marbled Cappuccino in Gloss fabricated by CounterForm-LLC Cabinets by Shenandoah Craftsmen: Creative Renovations Designed by: Marcus Lehman Photos by: Marcus Lehman

This is an example of a small mediterranean drought-tolerant and full sun front yard landscaping in Santa Barbara.

Open concept kitchen - small modern open concept kitchen idea in Grand Rapids with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, laminate countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Project Overview: This intensively-designed small project by MQ Architecture expanded on a functional outbuilding to make something beautiful, matching the fantastic wooded location directly across the Hudson River from West Point. From MQ Architecture: “This project entitled a surgical demolition of an existing shed and the erection of a small ancillary building. The old structure housed the electrical and communications utilities of a large compound, and the new project had to preserve the location and function of all this equipment, therefore some walls and floor levels are set from the beginning. The program required two different type of users, therefore we decided to split the building in two, allowing for a separate circulation for each group. The upper piece houses the electrical room and the team quarters, while the lower portion holds two individual restrooms for visitors. The project sits in the middle of the forest therefore we chose charred wood to make it blend with the surrounding nature. On the other hand, the polycarbonate façade brings natural light and privacy to the interior. All floors are made of polished concrete for easy maintenance and a radiant slab keeps an optimal temperature during extreme winters.” Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Black Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 1100SF Designer: Miguel Quismondo (MQ Architecture) Builder: Miguel Quismondo Date: August 2018 Location: Garrison, NY

The year-round cool grey foliage of Acacia cultriformis is smothered by small yellow puffballs in mid-winter, repeated by the African daisies.
Design ideas for a mediterranean landscaping in Santa Barbara.

For this project, the goals were straight forward - a low energy, low maintenance home that would allow the "60 something couple” time and money to enjoy all their interests. Accessibility was also important since this is likely their last home. In the end the style is minimalist, but the raw, natural materials add texture that give the home a warm, inviting feeling. The home has R-67.5 walls, R-90 in the attic, is extremely air tight (0.4 ACH) and is oriented to work with the sun throughout the year. As a result, operating costs of the home are minimal. The HVAC systems were chosen to work efficiently, but not to be complicated. They were designed to perform to the highest standards, but be simple enough for the owners to understand and manage. The owners spend a lot of time camping and traveling and wanted the home to capture the same feeling of freedom that the outdoors offers. The spaces are practical, easy to keep clean and designed to create a free flowing space that opens up to nature beyond the large triple glazed Passive House windows. Built-in cubbies and shelving help keep everything organized and there is no wasted space in the house - Enough space for yoga, visiting family, relaxing, sculling boats and two home offices. The most frequent comment of visitors is how relaxed they feel. This is a result of the unique connection to nature, the abundance of natural materials, great air quality, and the play of light throughout the house. The exterior of the house is simple, but a striking reflection of the local farming environment. The materials are low maintenance, as is the landscaping. The siting of the home combined with the natural landscaping gives privacy and encourages the residents to feel close to local flora and fauna. Photo Credit: Leon T. Switzer/Front Page Media Group

An under-performing lawn is replaced by this contemporary floating deck which creates indoor-outdoor flow and an outdoor room for dining and relaxing. Plantings are structural and low maintenance with the ability to add seasonal colour for an easy change of look. Planting below the deck adds to the feeling that the deck is 'floating '

Architect Matthew Coates’ award-winning “ReHOME: Resilience & Regeneration” project takes on two pressing social and environmental issues: the lack of affordable housing in cities throughout the United States, and the vast amount of waste produced during construction and demolition. This project won the prestigious 2022 AIA Seattle’s Award of Merit in “Research & Innovation” owing to its plan to save millions of dollars in resources while creating jobs that develop employable skills and constructing low-cost housing for diverse demographics. Through community engagement and volunteer work, future residents will benefit from the housing while learning skills of construction and management. The vision is to then introduce volunteers to industries wherein they might acquire future employment. This project introduces innovations not yet utilized in efforts to increase the inventory of affordable housing.

Before picture with asphalt driveway, unwanted persimmon tree and stressed lawn. Photo: Billy Goodnick
Photo of a mediterranean drought-tolerant and full sun landscaping in Santa Barbara.

All new products from Lowe's Countertop: Formica Marbled Cappuccino in Gloss fabricated by CounterForm-LLC Cabinets by Shenandoah Craftsmen: Creative Renovations Designed by: Marcus Lehman Photos by: Marcus Lehman

All new products from Lowe's Countertop: Formica Marbled Cappuccino in Gloss fabricated by CounterForm-LLC Cabinets by Shenandoah Craftsmen: Creative Renovations Designed by: Marcus Lehman Photos by: Marcus Lehman

An under-performing lawn is replaced by this contemporary floating deck which creates indoor-outdoor flow and an outdoor room for dining and relaxing. Plantings are structural and low maintenance with the ability to add seasonal colour for an easy change of look. Planting below the deck adds to the feeling that the deck is 'floating '

View from top of stairs.
This is an example of a mediterranean landscaping in Santa Barbara.

(thank you to our client for providing this photo). How to fit everything into a small back yard....Pool, entertaining and animal accommodation. Additionally our client wanted low maintenance low maintenance and a year round landscape. The artificial turf was an excellent choice for both low maintenance and pet friendly. To keep small areas of turf in pristine condition provided the conditions is highly unlikely, so the artificial turf was an obvious choice.