Here are some photos of a recent landscape design we installed for one of our returning customers. Utilizing the space previously occupied by an above-ground pool, we created a gravel patio with a border of square pavers. Also, within the patio sits a wood-burning fire pit and a some random boulder groupings to add to the natural woodsy theme of the property. Around the exterior of the patio, we added several sets of boulder steps to access different areas of the yard. Above one set, we constructed a natural stone stepper pathway to connect the new outdoor living space with an area where we built a nice pond and stream a few years ago. Finally, we planted the area with a mix of deer-resistant plants and finished everything with some mulch and river gravel.

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

Here are some photos of a recent landscape design we installed for one of our returning customers. Utilizing the space previously occupied by an above-ground pool, we created a gravel patio with a border of square pavers. Also, within the patio sits a wood-burning fire pit and a some random boulder groupings to add to the natural woodsy theme of the property. Around the exterior of the patio, we added several sets of boulder steps to access different areas of the yard. Above one set, we constructed a natural stone stepper pathway to connect the new outdoor living space with an area where we built a nice pond and stream a few years ago. Finally, we planted the area with a mix of deer-resistant plants and finished everything with some mulch and river gravel.

Here are some photos of a recent landscape design we installed for one of our returning customers. Utilizing the space previously occupied by an above-ground pool, we created a gravel patio with a border of square pavers. Also, within the patio sits a wood-burning fire pit and a some random boulder groupings to add to the natural woodsy theme of the property. Around the exterior of the patio, we added several sets of boulder steps to access different areas of the yard. Above one set, we constructed a natural stone stepper pathway to connect the new outdoor living space with an area where we built a nice pond and stream a few years ago. Finally, we planted the area with a mix of deer-resistant plants and finished everything with some mulch and river gravel.

In this 1930’s home, the kitchen had been previously remodeled in the 90’s. The goal was to make the kitchen more functional, add storage and bring back the original character of the home. This was accomplished by removing the adjoining wall between the kitchen and dining room and adding a peninsula with a breakfast bar where the wall once existed. A redesign of the original breakfast nook created a space for the refrigerator, pantry, utility closet and coffee bar which camouflages the radiator. An exterior door was added so the homeowner could gain access to their back patio. The homeowner also desired a better solution for their coats, so a small mudroom nook was created in their hallway. The products installed were Waypoint 630F Cherry Spice Cabinets, Sangda Falls Quartz with Double Roundover Edge on the Countertop, Crystal Shores Random Linear Glass Tile - Sapphire Lagoon Backsplash, and Hendrik Pendant Lights.

Here are some photos of a recent landscape design we installed for one of our returning customers. Utilizing the space previously occupied by an above-ground pool, we created a gravel patio with a border of square pavers. Also, within the patio sits a wood-burning fire pit and a some random boulder groupings to add to the natural woodsy theme of the property. Around the exterior of the patio, we added several sets of boulder steps to access different areas of the yard. Above one set, we constructed a natural stone stepper pathway to connect the new outdoor living space with an area where we built a nice pond and stream a few years ago. Finally, we planted the area with a mix of deer-resistant plants and finished everything with some mulch and river gravel.

Here are some photos of a recent landscape design we installed for one of our returning customers. Utilizing the space previously occupied by an above-ground pool, we created a gravel patio with a border of square pavers. Also, within the patio sits a wood-burning fire pit and a some random boulder groupings to add to the natural woodsy theme of the property. Around the exterior of the patio, we added several sets of boulder steps to access different areas of the yard. Above one set, we constructed a natural stone stepper pathway to connect the new outdoor living space with an area where we built a nice pond and stream a few years ago. Finally, we planted the area with a mix of deer-resistant plants and finished everything with some mulch and river gravel.

Karen was an existing client of ours who was tired of the crowded and cluttered laundry/mudroom that did not work well for her young family. The washer and dryer were right in the line of traffic when you stepped in her back entry from the garage and there was a lack of a bench for changing shoes/boots. Planning began… then along came a twist! A new puppy that will grow to become a fair sized dog would become part of the family. Could the design accommodate dog grooming and a daytime “kennel” for when the family is away? Having two young boys, Karen wanted to have custom features that would make housekeeping easier so custom drawer drying racks and ironing board were included in the design. All slab-style cabinet and drawer fronts are sturdy and easy to clean and the family’s coats and necessities are hidden from view while close at hand. The selected quartz countertops, slate flooring and honed marble wall tiles will provide a long life for this hard working space. The enameled cast iron sink which fits puppy to full-sized dog (given a boost) was outfitted with a faucet conducive to dog washing, as well as, general clean up. And the piece de resistance is the glass, Dutch pocket door which makes the family dog feel safe yet secure with a view into the rest of the house. Karen and her family enjoy the organized, tidy space and how it works for them.

New to the collection, our darkest limestone-inspired design, Herm, is distinctive and strong with contrasting multi-color ink black, grey and white tones.

In this 1930’s home, the kitchen had been previously remodeled in the 90’s. The goal was to make the kitchen more functional, add storage and bring back the original character of the home. This was accomplished by removing the adjoining wall between the kitchen and dining room and adding a peninsula with a breakfast bar where the wall once existed. A redesign of the original breakfast nook created a space for the refrigerator, pantry, utility closet and coffee bar which camouflages the radiator. An exterior door was added so the homeowner could gain access to their back patio. The homeowner also desired a better solution for their coats, so a small mudroom nook was created in their hallway. The products installed were Waypoint 630F Cherry Spice Cabinets, Sangda Falls Quartz with Double Roundover Edge on the Countertop, Crystal Shores Random Linear Glass Tile - Sapphire Lagoon Backsplash, and Hendrik Pendant Lights.

We custom sized the corner shower (38x38) to utilize every inch of space. The shower pan floor, we selected a 2x2 porcelain tile from United Tile Edimax Sand Series in color grey. The Shower walls are 12x 24 porcelain tiles from Bedorsian Athena/ Color: Ash that I think resembles petrified wood that comes from Italy. The decorative glass and stone liner was made from random length mosaic that was cut into 3 row stripes. This custom listello liner is what is pulling all the colors together, complementing the LVT flooring and the grey field tile on the shower walls. The main floor tile (12 x 12) Centiva's Coral Reef LVT tile in their Gold Dust color. The vanity cabinet is from DeWil's Custom Cabinetry, from their frameless Horizon line. The Sirius door style is in a Walnut wood, in DeWil's Caffe stain option. This door style, wood and stain color as in the master bath area.

In this 1930’s home, the kitchen had been previously remodeled in the 90’s. The goal was to make the kitchen more functional, add storage and bring back the original character of the home. This was accomplished by removing the adjoining wall between the kitchen and dining room and adding a peninsula with a breakfast bar where the wall once existed. A redesign of the original breakfast nook created a space for the refrigerator, pantry, utility closet and coffee bar which camouflages the radiator. An exterior door was added so the homeowner could gain access to their back patio. The homeowner also desired a better solution for their coats, so a small mudroom nook was created in their hallway. The products installed were Waypoint 630F Cherry Spice Cabinets, Sangda Falls Quartz with Double Roundover Edge on the Countertop, Crystal Shores Random Linear Glass Tile - Sapphire Lagoon Backsplash, and Hendrik Pendant Lights.

In this 1930’s home, the kitchen had been previously remodeled in the 90’s. The goal was to make the kitchen more functional, add storage and bring back the original character of the home. This was accomplished by removing the adjoining wall between the kitchen and dining room and adding a peninsula with a breakfast bar where the wall once existed. A redesign of the original breakfast nook created a space for the refrigerator, pantry, utility closet and coffee bar which camouflages the radiator. An exterior door was added so the homeowner could gain access to their back patio. The homeowner also desired a better solution for their coats, so a small mudroom nook was created in their hallway. The products installed were Waypoint 630F Cherry Spice Cabinets, Sangda Falls Quartz with Double Roundover Edge on the Countertop, Crystal Shores Random Linear Glass Tile - Sapphire Lagoon Backsplash, and Hendrik Pendant Lights.

In this 1930’s home, the kitchen had been previously remodeled in the 90’s. The goal was to make the kitchen more functional, add storage and bring back the original character of the home. This was accomplished by removing the adjoining wall between the kitchen and dining room and adding a peninsula with a breakfast bar where the wall once existed. A redesign of the original breakfast nook created a space for the refrigerator, pantry, utility closet and coffee bar which camouflages the radiator. An exterior door was added so the homeowner could gain access to their back patio. The homeowner also desired a better solution for their coats, so a small mudroom nook was created in their hallway. The products installed were Waypoint 630F Cherry Spice Cabinets, Sangda Falls Quartz with Double Roundover Edge on the Countertop, Crystal Shores Random Linear Glass Tile - Sapphire Lagoon Backsplash, and Hendrik Pendant Lights.

In this 1930’s home, the kitchen had been previously remodeled in the 90’s. The goal was to make the kitchen more functional, add storage and bring back the original character of the home. This was accomplished by removing the adjoining wall between the kitchen and dining room and adding a peninsula with a breakfast bar where the wall once existed. A redesign of the original breakfast nook created a space for the refrigerator, pantry, utility closet and coffee bar which camouflages the radiator. An exterior door was added so the homeowner could gain access to their back patio. The homeowner also desired a better solution for their coats, so a small mudroom nook was created in their hallway. The products installed were Waypoint 630F Cherry Spice Cabinets, Sangda Falls Quartz with Double Roundover Edge on the Countertop, Crystal Shores Random Linear Glass Tile - Sapphire Lagoon Backsplash, and Hendrik Pendant Lights.

Frank Ooms
Inspiration for a modern exterior home remodel in Austin

In this 1930’s home, the kitchen had been previously remodeled in the 90’s. The goal was to make the kitchen more functional, add storage and bring back the original character of the home. This was accomplished by removing the adjoining wall between the kitchen and dining room and adding a peninsula with a breakfast bar where the wall once existed. A redesign of the original breakfast nook created a space for the refrigerator, pantry, utility closet and coffee bar which camouflages the radiator. An exterior door was added so the homeowner could gain access to their back patio. The homeowner also desired a better solution for their coats, so a small mudroom nook was created in their hallway. The products installed were Waypoint 630F Cherry Spice Cabinets, Sangda Falls Quartz with Double Roundover Edge on the Countertop, Crystal Shores Random Linear Glass Tile - Sapphire Lagoon Backsplash, and Hendrik Pendant Lights.

In this 1930’s home, the kitchen had been previously remodeled in the 90’s. The goal was to make the kitchen more functional, add storage and bring back the original character of the home. This was accomplished by removing the adjoining wall between the kitchen and dining room and adding a peninsula with a breakfast bar where the wall once existed. A redesign of the original breakfast nook created a space for the refrigerator, pantry, utility closet and coffee bar which camouflages the radiator. An exterior door was added so the homeowner could gain access to their back patio. The homeowner also desired a better solution for their coats, so a small mudroom nook was created in their hallway. The products installed were Waypoint 630F Cherry Spice Cabinets, Sangda Falls Quartz with Double Roundover Edge on the Countertop, Crystal Shores Random Linear Glass Tile - Sapphire Lagoon Backsplash, and Hendrik Pendant Lights.

In this 1930’s home, the kitchen had been previously remodeled in the 90’s. The goal was to make the kitchen more functional, add storage and bring back the original character of the home. This was accomplished by removing the adjoining wall between the kitchen and dining room and adding a peninsula with a breakfast bar where the wall once existed. A redesign of the original breakfast nook created a space for the refrigerator, pantry, utility closet and coffee bar which camouflages the radiator. An exterior door was added so the homeowner could gain access to their back patio. The homeowner also desired a better solution for their coats, so a small mudroom nook was created in their hallway. The products installed were Waypoint 630F Cherry Spice Cabinets, Sangda Falls Quartz with Double Roundover Edge on the Countertop, Crystal Shores Random Linear Glass Tile - Sapphire Lagoon Backsplash, and Hendrik Pendant Lights.