Search results for "Year reduction" in Home Design Ideas

This 2022 project for Sovereign Grace Music was a full-scale, purpose-built recording and production facility designed to support songwriting, live tracking, mixing, and video content creation. Working alongside the extraordinary Sovereign Grace team—and in collaboration with Authentic Carpentry—NILES handled sound reduction, audio integration, and all acoustic treatment design and installation.
The facility features a full Control Room, a spacious Live Room, and a large Isolation Booth engineered for dry drum capture or vocal tracking during full-band sessions. Each space was crafted for accuracy, clarity, and intuitive workflow, ensuring that engineers and artists can move seamlessly between rooms without breaking creative momentum.
Clear sightlines, generous lighting, and intentional layout choices make the studio equally suited for recording and video production. Every room is wired for a plug-and-play workflow, supporting multi-camera shoots, ensemble tracking, and efficient session flow.
Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic infrastructure is highly robust. The Control Room, Live Room, and ISO Booth sit on independent floor systems with tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies and strategic treatments throughout. No suite is mechanically bonded, allowing simultaneous use of all rooms with minimal sound transmission.
Monitoring in the Control Room centers around PMC 6-2 loudspeakers, precisely tuned to ensure accurate translation from mix position to the final master.
The result is a balanced, inviting, and technically exact environment—built to serve the diverse creative needs of Sovereign Grace Music for years to come.

This 2022 project for Sovereign Grace Music was a full-scale, purpose-built recording and production facility designed to support songwriting, live tracking, mixing, and video content creation. Working alongside the extraordinary Sovereign Grace team—and in collaboration with Authentic Carpentry—NILES handled sound reduction, audio integration, and all acoustic treatment design and installation.
The facility features a full Control Room, a spacious Live Room, and a large Isolation Booth engineered for dry drum capture or vocal tracking during full-band sessions. Each space was crafted for accuracy, clarity, and intuitive workflow, ensuring that engineers and artists can move seamlessly between rooms without breaking creative momentum.
Clear sightlines, generous lighting, and intentional layout choices make the studio equally suited for recording and video production. Every room is wired for a plug-and-play workflow, supporting multi-camera shoots, ensemble tracking, and efficient session flow.
Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic infrastructure is highly robust. The Control Room, Live Room, and ISO Booth sit on independent floor systems with tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies and strategic treatments throughout. No suite is mechanically bonded, allowing simultaneous use of all rooms with minimal sound transmission.
Monitoring in the Control Room centers around PMC 6-2 loudspeakers, precisely tuned to ensure accurate translation from mix position to the final master.
The result is a balanced, inviting, and technically exact environment—built to serve the diverse creative needs of Sovereign Grace Music for years to come.

This 2022 project for Sovereign Grace Music was a full-scale, purpose-built recording and production facility designed to support songwriting, live tracking, mixing, and video content creation. Working alongside the extraordinary Sovereign Grace team—and in collaboration with Authentic Carpentry—NILES handled sound reduction, audio integration, and all acoustic treatment design and installation.
The facility features a full Control Room, a spacious Live Room, and a large Isolation Booth engineered for dry drum capture or vocal tracking during full-band sessions. Each space was crafted for accuracy, clarity, and intuitive workflow, ensuring that engineers and artists can move seamlessly between rooms without breaking creative momentum.
Clear sightlines, generous lighting, and intentional layout choices make the studio equally suited for recording and video production. Every room is wired for a plug-and-play workflow, supporting multi-camera shoots, ensemble tracking, and efficient session flow.
Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic infrastructure is highly robust. The Control Room, Live Room, and ISO Booth sit on independent floor systems with tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies and strategic treatments throughout. No suite is mechanically bonded, allowing simultaneous use of all rooms with minimal sound transmission.
Monitoring in the Control Room centers around PMC 6-2 loudspeakers, precisely tuned to ensure accurate translation from mix position to the final master.
The result is a balanced, inviting, and technically exact environment—built to serve the diverse creative needs of Sovereign Grace Music for years to come.
Find the right local pro for your project

This 2022 project for Sovereign Grace Music was a full-scale, purpose-built recording and production facility designed to support songwriting, live tracking, mixing, and video content creation. Working alongside the extraordinary Sovereign Grace team—and in collaboration with Authentic Carpentry—NILES handled sound reduction, audio integration, and all acoustic treatment design and installation.
The facility features a full Control Room, a spacious Live Room, and a large Isolation Booth engineered for dry drum capture or vocal tracking during full-band sessions. Each space was crafted for accuracy, clarity, and intuitive workflow, ensuring that engineers and artists can move seamlessly between rooms without breaking creative momentum.
Clear sightlines, generous lighting, and intentional layout choices make the studio equally suited for recording and video production. Every room is wired for a plug-and-play workflow, supporting multi-camera shoots, ensemble tracking, and efficient session flow.
Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic infrastructure is highly robust. The Control Room, Live Room, and ISO Booth sit on independent floor systems with tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies and strategic treatments throughout. No suite is mechanically bonded, allowing simultaneous use of all rooms with minimal sound transmission.
Monitoring in the Control Room centers around PMC 6-2 loudspeakers, precisely tuned to ensure accurate translation from mix position to the final master.
The result is a balanced, inviting, and technically exact environment—built to serve the diverse creative needs of Sovereign Grace Music for years to come.

Planum 0010 Chocolate Ash Description
42" doors are available with vertical grain only.
SET INCLUDES:
2 Door Slabs
Trims
Frames
Tracks
Pulls
Door made of solid wood with honeycomb and eco-veneer coating. Door is not pre-drilled for the hardware.
Thickness of the door slab is 40 mm or 1 9/16". It is not recommended to paint.
Introducing our "Modern Double Pocket Doors," crafted from high-quality wood with a solid core and finished in a stunning Chocolate Ash color. These doors are part of our Planum collection and feature a sleek, modern design that seamlessly integrates into any interior space.
Our pocket doors are perfect for those who are looking for a functional, space-saving solution that also adds a touch of elegance to their home. These doors slide smoothly and effortlessly, disappearing into the wall when not in use, allowing you to maximize your living space.
The Chocolate Ash finish is a rich and sophisticated color that adds warmth and texture to your interior design. The flush door design enhances the modern look and allows for a seamless transition between rooms.
These doors are fitted with high-quality hardware to ensure durability and longevity, providing years of hassle-free use. They are an ideal addition to any home or office in Brooklyn, adding a touch of sophistication and style to your interior design.
Trust us to deliver custom pocket doors that fit your unique style and requirements. We specialize in crafting high-quality doors that are designed to last, so you can enjoy the beauty and functionality of your doors for years to come.
solid wood with honeycomb CORE
solid wood with honeycomb core made by laminated wood with honeycomb using Ciplex technology.
CIPLEX by SARTO
High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood with honeycomb Made in Italy.
NO FORMALDEHYDE
Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers.
SOUND ATTENUATION
Door's 40mm thick solid wood with honeycomb construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors.
CONSTRUCTION
Door will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.

Planum 0010 Chocolate Ash Description
42" doors are available with vertical grain only.
SET INCLUDES:
2 Door Slabs
Trims
Frames
Tracks
Pulls
Door made of solid wood with honeycomb and eco-veneer coating. Door is not pre-drilled for the hardware.
Thickness of the door slab is 40 mm or 1 9/16". It is not recommended to paint.
Introducing our "Modern Double Pocket Doors," crafted from high-quality wood with a solid core and finished in a stunning Chocolate Ash color. These doors are part of our Planum collection and feature a sleek, modern design that seamlessly integrates into any interior space.
Our pocket doors are perfect for those who are looking for a functional, space-saving solution that also adds a touch of elegance to their home. These doors slide smoothly and effortlessly, disappearing into the wall when not in use, allowing you to maximize your living space.
The Chocolate Ash finish is a rich and sophisticated color that adds warmth and texture to your interior design. The flush door design enhances the modern look and allows for a seamless transition between rooms.
These doors are fitted with high-quality hardware to ensure durability and longevity, providing years of hassle-free use. They are an ideal addition to any home or office in Brooklyn, adding a touch of sophistication and style to your interior design.
Trust us to deliver custom pocket doors that fit your unique style and requirements. We specialize in crafting high-quality doors that are designed to last, so you can enjoy the beauty and functionality of your doors for years to come.
solid wood with honeycomb CORE
solid wood with honeycomb core made by laminated wood with honeycomb using Ciplex technology.
CIPLEX by SARTO
High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood with honeycomb Made in Italy.
NO FORMALDEHYDE
Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers.
SOUND ATTENUATION
Door's 40mm thick solid wood with honeycomb construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors.
CONSTRUCTION
Door will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.

Planum 0010 Chocolate Ash Description
42" doors are available with vertical grain only.
SET INCLUDES:
2 Door Slabs
Trims
Frames
Tracks
Pulls
Door made of solid wood with honeycomb and eco-veneer coating. Door is not pre-drilled for the hardware.
Thickness of the door slab is 40 mm or 1 9/16". It is not recommended to paint.
Introducing our "Modern Double Pocket Doors," crafted from high-quality wood with a solid core and finished in a stunning Chocolate Ash color. These doors are part of our Planum collection and feature a sleek, modern design that seamlessly integrates into any interior space.
Our pocket doors are perfect for those who are looking for a functional, space-saving solution that also adds a touch of elegance to their home. These doors slide smoothly and effortlessly, disappearing into the wall when not in use, allowing you to maximize your living space.
The Chocolate Ash finish is a rich and sophisticated color that adds warmth and texture to your interior design. The flush door design enhances the modern look and allows for a seamless transition between rooms.
These doors are fitted with high-quality hardware to ensure durability and longevity, providing years of hassle-free use. They are an ideal addition to any home or office in Brooklyn, adding a touch of sophistication and style to your interior design.
Trust us to deliver custom pocket doors that fit your unique style and requirements. We specialize in crafting high-quality doors that are designed to last, so you can enjoy the beauty and functionality of your doors for years to come.
solid wood with honeycomb CORE
solid wood with honeycomb core made by laminated wood with honeycomb using Ciplex technology.
CIPLEX by SARTO
High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood with honeycomb Made in Italy.
NO FORMALDEHYDE
Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers.
SOUND ATTENUATION
Door's 40mm thick solid wood with honeycomb construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors.
CONSTRUCTION
Door will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

Planum 0010 Chocolate Ash Description
42" doors are available with vertical grain only.
SET INCLUDES:
2 Door Slabs
Trims
Frames
Tracks
Pulls
Door made of solid wood with honeycomb and eco-veneer coating. Door is not pre-drilled for the hardware.
Thickness of the door slab is 40 mm or 1 9/16". It is not recommended to paint.
Introducing our "Modern Double Pocket Doors," crafted from high-quality wood with a solid core and finished in a stunning Chocolate Ash color. These doors are part of our Planum collection and feature a sleek, modern design that seamlessly integrates into any interior space.
Our pocket doors are perfect for those who are looking for a functional, space-saving solution that also adds a touch of elegance to their home. These doors slide smoothly and effortlessly, disappearing into the wall when not in use, allowing you to maximize your living space.
The Chocolate Ash finish is a rich and sophisticated color that adds warmth and texture to your interior design. The flush door design enhances the modern look and allows for a seamless transition between rooms.
These doors are fitted with high-quality hardware to ensure durability and longevity, providing years of hassle-free use. They are an ideal addition to any home or office in Brooklyn, adding a touch of sophistication and style to your interior design.
Trust us to deliver custom pocket doors that fit your unique style and requirements. We specialize in crafting high-quality doors that are designed to last, so you can enjoy the beauty and functionality of your doors for years to come.
solid wood with honeycomb CORE
solid wood with honeycomb core made by laminated wood with honeycomb using Ciplex technology.
CIPLEX by SARTO
High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood with honeycomb Made in Italy.
NO FORMALDEHYDE
Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers.
SOUND ATTENUATION
Door's 40mm thick solid wood with honeycomb construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors.
CONSTRUCTION
Door will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.

Planum 0010 Chocolate Ash Description
42" doors are available with vertical grain only.
SET INCLUDES:
2 Door Slabs
Trims
Frames
Tracks
Pulls
Door made of solid wood with honeycomb and eco-veneer coating. Door is not pre-drilled for the hardware.
Thickness of the door slab is 40 mm or 1 9/16". It is not recommended to paint.
Introducing our "Modern Double Pocket Doors," crafted from high-quality wood with a solid core and finished in a stunning Chocolate Ash color. These doors are part of our Planum collection and feature a sleek, modern design that seamlessly integrates into any interior space.
Our pocket doors are perfect for those who are looking for a functional, space-saving solution that also adds a touch of elegance to their home. These doors slide smoothly and effortlessly, disappearing into the wall when not in use, allowing you to maximize your living space.
The Chocolate Ash finish is a rich and sophisticated color that adds warmth and texture to your interior design. The flush door design enhances the modern look and allows for a seamless transition between rooms.
These doors are fitted with high-quality hardware to ensure durability and longevity, providing years of hassle-free use. They are an ideal addition to any home or office in Brooklyn, adding a touch of sophistication and style to your interior design.
Trust us to deliver custom pocket doors that fit your unique style and requirements. We specialize in crafting high-quality doors that are designed to last, so you can enjoy the beauty and functionality of your doors for years to come.
solid wood with honeycomb CORE
solid wood with honeycomb core made by laminated wood with honeycomb using Ciplex technology.
CIPLEX by SARTO
High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood with honeycomb Made in Italy.
NO FORMALDEHYDE
Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers.
SOUND ATTENUATION
Door's 40mm thick solid wood with honeycomb construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors.
CONSTRUCTION
Door will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.

Planum 0010 Chocolate Ash Description
42" doors are available with vertical grain only.
SET INCLUDES:
2 Door Slabs
Trims
Frames
Tracks
Pulls
Door made of solid wood with honeycomb and eco-veneer coating. Door is not pre-drilled for the hardware.
Thickness of the door slab is 40 mm or 1 9/16". It is not recommended to paint.
Introducing our "Modern Double Pocket Doors," crafted from high-quality wood with a solid core and finished in a stunning Chocolate Ash color. These doors are part of our Planum collection and feature a sleek, modern design that seamlessly integrates into any interior space.
Our pocket doors are perfect for those who are looking for a functional, space-saving solution that also adds a touch of elegance to their home. These doors slide smoothly and effortlessly, disappearing into the wall when not in use, allowing you to maximize your living space.
The Chocolate Ash finish is a rich and sophisticated color that adds warmth and texture to your interior design. The flush door design enhances the modern look and allows for a seamless transition between rooms.
These doors are fitted with high-quality hardware to ensure durability and longevity, providing years of hassle-free use. They are an ideal addition to any home or office in Brooklyn, adding a touch of sophistication and style to your interior design.
Trust us to deliver custom pocket doors that fit your unique style and requirements. We specialize in crafting high-quality doors that are designed to last, so you can enjoy the beauty and functionality of your doors for years to come.
solid wood with honeycomb CORE
solid wood with honeycomb core made by laminated wood with honeycomb using Ciplex technology.
CIPLEX by SARTO
High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood with honeycomb Made in Italy.
NO FORMALDEHYDE
Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers.
SOUND ATTENUATION
Door's 40mm thick solid wood with honeycomb construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors.
CONSTRUCTION
Door will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.

This project consisted of replacing five year old composite decking with the tropical hardwood known as Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves). We also replaced the cheesy box store metal railings with stainless steel cable rail from Feeney. The existing pressure treated posts were left in place and wrapped with the Tigerwood, and a profiled cap rail was installed. The distance between posts varies, so each arch has a unique radius while the chord rise is the same for all. Photo by Aye Fone :)

Elevating the Field: A Masterclass in Professional Sports Lighting
After two decades leading LED product development and global exports, I’ve learned that stadium lighting isn't just about brightness—it’s about precision, player comfort, and long-term economic viability.
Our latest installation showcased here represents the perfect synergy between advanced optical engineering and rugged durability. Here is why this project stands as a benchmark for modern sports infrastructure.
1. Professional-Grade Optical Precision
For this project, we didn't just "flood" the field with light. We engineered a solution:
Asymmetric Beam Control: We utilized custom-engineered lenses to direct light strictly onto the playing surface. This eliminates "sky glow" and light pollution for the surrounding community.
Anti-Glare Technology: By controlling the peak intensity angles, we’ve ensured that athletes can track the ball in the air without being blinded, a critical factor for high-speed sports performance.
Uniformity Excellence: The lighting distribution achieves a high uniformity ratio, eliminating dark spots and shadows that can lead to player injury.
2. Industrial-Strength Thermal Management
The secret to a 10-year lifespan isn't the LED chip; it's the heat dissipation.
Aero-Grade Heat Sinks: These fixtures feature high-purity aluminum housing with a vertical thermal flow design.
Longevity in Harsh Conditions: Designed to withstand extreme outdoor temperatures, the system ensures that lumen depreciation is kept to a minimum, protecting the client’s investment for years to come.
3. Global Compliance & Export Quality
From a trade perspective, we understand that reliability is the only currency that matters in international projects.
Certified Durability: The system carries full IP66 waterproof and IK08 impact ratings, making it resilient against heavy storms and physical impact.
International Standards: Fully compliant with CE, RoHS, and DLC Premium requirements, ensuring seamless integration into power grids worldwide and eligibility for green-energy subsidies.
4. The ROI: Efficiency Meets Sustainability
Switching to this high-efficiency LED system resulted in a 65% reduction in energy consumption compared to the previous metal halide installation. With integrated smart-control compatibility, the facility can now manage lighting levels based on usage, further accelerating the payback period.
The Bottom Line:
Lighting a sports facility is an investment in the community and the athletes. We don't just provide lamps; we provide a professional environment where the game can be played at its best, long after the sun goes down.
Are you looking to upgrade your facility to international standards? Let’s discuss how our 20 years of expertise can illuminate your next project.

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

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

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space.
Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings.
Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes.
Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command.
Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models.
Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices.
Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor.
Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated.
If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

20 Fabulous Pool Designs Under 600 sq feet of Water Surface Area
Custom pools are a much-desired amenity in Southern Nevada, however in accordance with the 2022 water use ordinance, new residential pools may NOT exceed 600 sq ft of water surface area. The square footage includes a total of the pool, spa, and any infinity-edge troughs where applicable. And, there is also a ban on independent water features.
Paragon Pools’ VP & Chief Design Executive Joseph A Vassallo, CBP provides 20 pool designs under 600sq ft as an inspiration for homeowners.
Excerpt from the SNWA website: Residential pool size limits
Ongoing drought and climate change conditions continue to affect water levels in Lake Mead – Southern Nevada's primary water supply. As a result, the federal government declared a shortage on the Colorado River, reducing Southern Nevada's available water supply by 8.1 billion gallons, and additional reductions are expected in the coming years.
To help manage these water supply constraints, the Southern Nevada Water Authority approved a resolution in July 2022 that supports a 600-square-foot surface area limit on new residential pools. The Las Vegas Valley Water District and other local jurisdictions approved this change shortly thereafter with rule and code changes. This measure will help reduce consumptive water use associated with evaporative water loss, targeting savings from the top 25 percent of new pools constructed.

20 Fabulous Pool Designs Under 600 sq feet of Water Surface Area
Custom pools are a much-desired amenity in Southern Nevada, however in accordance with the 2022 water use ordinance, new residential pools may NOT exceed 600 sq ft of water surface area. The square footage includes a total of the pool, spa, and any infinity-edge troughs where applicable. And, there is also a ban on independent water features.
Paragon Pools’ VP & Chief Design Executive Joseph A Vassallo, CBP provides 20 pool designs under 600sq ft as an inspiration for homeowners.
Excerpt from the SNWA website: Residential pool size limits
Ongoing drought and climate change conditions continue to affect water levels in Lake Mead – Southern Nevada's primary water supply. As a result, the federal government declared a shortage on the Colorado River, reducing Southern Nevada's available water supply by 8.1 billion gallons, and additional reductions are expected in the coming years.
To help manage these water supply constraints, the Southern Nevada Water Authority approved a resolution in July 2022 that supports a 600-square-foot surface area limit on new residential pools. The Las Vegas Valley Water District and other local jurisdictions approved this change shortly thereafter with rule and code changes. This measure will help reduce consumptive water use associated with evaporative water loss, targeting savings from the top 25 percent of new pools constructed.
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