Elegant kitchen photo in Portland Maine

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

“When the Cameron’s hired us to work with them, we were confronted with a typical Chicago problem…flooding on the property because of the grade differences between the two neighbor’s lots on both sides. The fixes were effective and beautiful; a raised bed on the north side to match the neighbor’s grade and a grassy area that was pitched toward a Rain Garden on the south side which effectively managed the water from the other neighbor’s garage and incorporated a percentage of native plants addressing Sustainable Sites Initiative™ requirements (the LEED like standards being set forth for the Landscape industry). We also incorporated organic food grade soil into areas where food would be grown.” - Julia Bunn The Spirited Gardener SpiritedGardener.com

Michael Moran/OTTO Photography The project added a new, unapologetically contemporary pool area to a Connecticut property with a century-old house and axial, terraced lawns from the late 1800’s. The design goal of the 500 sf. pool house was to make an interior room that merged with the outdoors and create a dialogue between old and new by providing a transparent corner oriented towards the main house. A variety of materials were used in combination, providing visual interest and textural contrast. The design challenge was to locate the pool on a slope which required elevating the house and handling surface water with infiltration, including a self-sustaining rain garden. Another challenge was how to support the sliding door track, accomplished by a cantilevered L-shaped beam concealed under the transom windows.

James Golden's Federal Twist garden. Photo by Jay Sifford.

This is a case study of a client based in Lithuania. The client's home is an 85-square-meter residence. The overall interior design style preferred by the client leans towards a creamy Scandinavian and Nordic minimalist style. The color palette is earthy, predominantly featuring white, brown, and black tones, complemented by artistic paintwork and fabric materials for soft furnishings. Additionally, recessed lighting and ambient lighting were incorporated to create a warm and textured atmosphere in the space. The client's specific requirement was to select a pendant light for the open dining area that would harmonize with the overall interior decor. We recommended a popular pendant light with a creamy texture, which aligns with the design aesthetics. It features a soft and delicate silk material, with white accents that complement the wooden dining table and chairs. Upon receiving the products, the client expressed complete satisfaction, noting that these light fixtures perfectly matched her needs. We are sharing this case study with everyone in the hope that it will provide inspiration and ideas for your own interior decorating endeavors.

We designed this 3,162 square foot home for empty-nesters who love lake life. Functionally, the home accommodates multiple generations. Elderly in-laws stay for prolonged periods, and the homeowners are thinking ahead to their own aging in place. This required two master suites on the first floor. Accommodations were made for visiting children upstairs. Aside from the functional needs of the occupants, our clients desired a home which maximizes indoor connection to the lake, provides covered outdoor living, and is conducive to entertaining. Our concept celebrates the natural surroundings through materials, views, daylighting, and building massing. We placed all main public living areas along the rear of the house to capitalize on the lake views while efficiently stacking the bedrooms and bathrooms in a two-story side wing. Secondary support spaces are integrated across the front of the house with the dramatic foyer. The front elevation, with painted green and natural wood siding and soffits, blends harmoniously with wooded surroundings. The lines and contrasting colors of the light granite wall and silver roofline draws attention toward the entry and through the house to the real focus: the water. The one-story roof over the garage and support spaces takes flight at the entry, wraps the two-story wing, turns, and soars again toward the lake as it approaches the rear patio. The granite wall extending from the entry through the interior living space is mirrored along the opposite end of the rear covered patio. These granite bookends direct focus to the lake. Passive systems contribute to the efficiency. Southeastern exposure of the glassy rear façade is modulated while views are celebrated. Low, northeastern sun angles are largely blocked by the patio’s stone wall and roofline. As the sun rises southward, the exposed façade becomes glassier, but is protected by deep roof overhangs and a trellised awning. These cut out the higher late morning sun angles. In winter, when sun angles are lower, the morning light floods the living spaces, warming the thermal mass of the exposed concrete floor.

Example of a mid-sized classic master beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile freestanding bathtub design with furniture-like cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink and granite countertops

Example of a beach style kitchen design in Los Angeles

This residential compound includes a primary residence, guesthouse, barn, dining pavilion and entry gate. The distinctive form of the architecture is derived from the Teton Range extending to the south. To respond to this phenomenon, the ridge of the gable roof is angled to allow the north wall to gently rise toward the west, mimicking the line of the mountains. The south wall naturally rises to the east capturing the preferred morning light. The materials - wood, rusted steel, copper panels, and stone - form a monochromatic palette to reinforce the sculptural energy of each building. A.I.A. Western Mountain Region Design Award of Citation 2005 A.I.A. Wyoming Chapter Design Award of Honor 2004 Project Year: Pre-2005

This is a case study of a client based in Lithuania. The client's home is an 85-square-meter residence. The overall interior design style preferred by the client leans towards a creamy Scandinavian and Nordic minimalist style. The color palette is earthy, predominantly featuring white, brown, and black tones, complemented by artistic paintwork and fabric materials for soft furnishings. Additionally, recessed lighting and ambient lighting were incorporated to create a warm and textured atmosphere in the space. The client's specific requirement was to select a pendant light for the open dining area that would harmonize with the overall interior decor. We recommended a popular pendant light with a creamy texture, which aligns with the design aesthetics. It features a soft and delicate silk material, with white accents that complement the wooden dining table and chairs. Upon receiving the products, the client expressed complete satisfaction, noting that these light fixtures perfectly matched her needs. We are sharing this case study with everyone in the hope that it will provide inspiration and ideas for your own interior decorating endeavors.

After their Niwot, Colorado, home was inundated with floodwater and mud in the historic 2013 flood, the owners brought their “glass is half full” zest for life to the process of restarting their lives in a modest budget-conscious home. It wouldn’t have been possible without the goodwill of neighbors, friends, strangers, donated services, and their own grit and full engagement in the building process. Water-shed Revival is a 2000 square foot home designed for social engagement, inside-outside living, the joy of cooking, and soaking in the sun and mountain views. The lofty space under the shed roof speaks of farm structures, but with a twist of the modern vis-à-vis clerestory windows and glass walls. Concrete floors act as a passive solar heat sink for a constant sense of thermal comfort, not to mention a relief for muddy pet paw cleanups. Cost-effective structure and material choices, such as corrugated metal and HardiePanel siding, point this home and this couple toward a renewed future.

A floating, wall hung, double vanity with plenty of storage clears some floor space and makes the relatively small bathroom feel bigger.
Example of a small minimalist master beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile drop-in bathtub design in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, solid surface countertops, a one-piece toilet, white walls and dark wood cabinets

This kitchen features an open concept. The customer wanted a very minimalist look. She wanted something mainstream and easy to clean. We needed cabinets with a sleek look and a door style that wouldn't collect dust. We went with Starmark Cabinetries Tempo door in Maple with a slate stain. The customer wanted a practical material for their countertops since they really wanted to put the money from their budget towards the cabinets so we went with Formicas Calcutta marble. We wanted to make a statement with the marble looking laminate so we made a waterfall edge on the left side and open shelving on the other. We went with using galvanized still piping with a natural piece of wood for all the open shelving above.

© Square Root Architecture + Design, Ltd.
Inspiration for a modern concrete fiberboard exterior home remodel in Chicago

After their Niwot, Colorado, home was inundated with floodwater and mud in the historic 2013 flood, the owners brought their “glass is half full” zest for life to the process of restarting their lives in a modest budget-conscious home. It wouldn’t have been possible without the goodwill of neighbors, friends, strangers, donated services, and their own grit and full engagement in the building process. Water-shed Revival is a 2000 square foot home designed for social engagement, inside-outside living, the joy of cooking, and soaking in the sun and mountain views. The lofty space under the shed roof speaks of farm structures, but with a twist of the modern vis-à-vis clerestory windows and glass walls. Concrete floors act as a passive solar heat sink for a constant sense of thermal comfort, not to mention a relief for muddy pet paw cleanups. Cost-effective structure and material choices, such as corrugated metal and HardiePanel siding, point this home and this couple toward a renewed future.

?✨ Update your fireplace with a beautiful new fireplace surround! When considering your preferences for interior design, whether they lean toward contemporary sophistication or classic timelessness, you will find a wide array of materials available for selection. ☎ Contact Mike at 757-412-5630 to begin planning your next masonry project today! ? ? Stone Fireplace Surround: Chardonnay Dressed Fieldstone Boral Stone / Cultured Stone #culturedstone Stone Hearth: Autumn Brown Artisan Cap 24x24x2 Calibrated Dressed Edge / Nat Cleft Top from Old World Flagstone #artisancap Polymer Fortified Thinset Mortar: @laticrete International Masonry Veneer Non-Sag Grey Mortar: Roanoke Straw Type "N" #roanokemortar Materials from Riverside Brick & Supply Co., Inc. -- Chesapeake #riversidebrick #boydscustommasonry #stone #stonefireplace #masonry #art #fireplace #livingroom #designideas #skills

?✨ Update your fireplace with a beautiful new fireplace surround! When considering your preferences for interior design, whether they lean toward contemporary sophistication or classic timelessness, you will find a wide array of materials available for selection. ☎ Contact Mike at 757-412-5630 to begin planning your next masonry project today! ? ? Stone Fireplace Surround: Chardonnay Dressed Fieldstone Boral Stone / Cultured Stone #culturedstone Stone Hearth: Autumn Brown Artisan Cap 24x24x2 Calibrated Dressed Edge / Nat Cleft Top from Old World Flagstone #artisancap Polymer Fortified Thinset Mortar: @laticrete International Masonry Veneer Non-Sag Grey Mortar: Roanoke Straw Type "N" #roanokemortar Materials from Riverside Brick & Supply Co., Inc. -- Chesapeake #riversidebrick #boydscustommasonry #stone #stonefireplace #masonry #art #fireplace #livingroom #designideas #skills

?✨ Update your fireplace with a beautiful new fireplace surround! When considering your preferences for interior design, whether they lean toward contemporary sophistication or classic timelessness, you will find a wide array of materials available for selection. ☎ Contact Mike at 757-412-5630 to begin planning your next masonry project today! ? ? Stone Fireplace Surround: Chardonnay Dressed Fieldstone Boral Stone / Cultured Stone #culturedstone Stone Hearth: Autumn Brown Artisan Cap 24x24x2 Calibrated Dressed Edge / Nat Cleft Top from Old World Flagstone #artisancap Polymer Fortified Thinset Mortar: @laticrete International Masonry Veneer Non-Sag Grey Mortar: Roanoke Straw Type "N" #roanokemortar Materials from Riverside Brick & Supply Co., Inc. -- Chesapeake #riversidebrick #boydscustommasonry #stone #stonefireplace #masonry #art #fireplace #livingroom #designideas #skills