We reconfigured an adjacent back entry to create a useful little mudroom, and in the space between the two designed a thick arched opening with shelves for cookbooks and a pull-out broom closet. Photo by Lincoln Barbour.
2011 EcoHome Design Award Winner
Key to the successful design were the homeowner priorities of family health, energy performance, and optimizing the walk-to-town construction site. To maintain health and air quality, the home features a fresh air ventilation system with energy recovery, a whole house HEPA filtration system, radiant & radiator heating distribution, and low/no VOC materials. The home’s energy performance focuses on passive heating/cooling techniques, natural daylighting, an improved building envelope, and efficient mechanical systems, collectively achieving overall energy performance of 50% better than code. To address the site opportunities, the home utilizes a footprint that maximizes southern exposure in the rear while still capturing the park view in the front.
ZeroEnergy Design | Green Architecture & Mechanical Design
www.ZeroEnergy.com
Kauffman Tharp Design | Interior Design
www.ktharpdesign.com
Photos by Eric Roth
This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income.
DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request.
MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic.
RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income.
ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them.
URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances.
OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values.
Eric Roth Photo
Designed By: Richard Bustos Photos By: Jeri Koegel
Ron and Kathy Chaisson have lived in many homes throughout Orange County, including three homes on the Balboa Peninsula and one at Pelican Crest. But when the “kind of retired” couple, as they describe their current status, decided to finally build their ultimate dream house in the flower streets of Corona del Mar, they opted not to skimp on the amenities. “We wanted this house to have the features of a resort,” says Ron. “So we designed it to have a pool on the roof, five patios, a spa, a gym, water walls in the courtyard, fire-pits and steam showers.”
To bring that five-star level of luxury to their newly constructed home, the couple enlisted Orange County’s top talent, including our very own rock star design consultant Richard Bustos, who worked alongside interior designer Trish Steel and Patterson Custom Homes as well as Brandon Architects. Together the team created a 4,500 square-foot, five-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bathroom contemporary house where R&R get top billing in almost every room. Two stories tall and with lots of open spaces, it manages to feel spacious despite its narrow location. And from its third floor patio, it boasts panoramic ocean views.
“Overall we wanted this to be contemporary, but we also wanted it to feel warm,” says Ron. Key to creating that look was Richard, who selected the primary pieces from our extensive portfolio of top-quality furnishings. Richard also focused on clean lines and neutral colors to achieve the couple’s modern aesthetic, while allowing both the home’s gorgeous views and Kathy’s art to take center stage.
As for that mahogany-lined elevator? “It’s a requirement,” states Ron. “With three levels, and lots of entertaining, we need that elevator for keeping the bar stocked up at the cabana, and for our big barbecue parties.” He adds, “my wife wears high heels a lot of the time, so riding the elevator instead of taking the stairs makes life that much better for her.”
The living room, with flexible furniture arrangements and a concertina window wall leading to the outdoor living deck. Photo by Emma Cross
メルボルンの大きいモダンスタイルのおしゃれなLDK (濃色無垢フローリング) の写真
Monty and Nan Abbott Photography and Sean Papich
ボストンのトラディショナルスタイルのおしゃれな裏庭の写真
The kitchen continues with the use of bamboo wood floors, globe pendant lighting and counter seating adding to the stainless steel energy star appliances, simple faced cabinets with interior lighting, and Cesarstone countertops.
Call us for help on your Monorail System:
(866) 954-4489
Monorail Wall kit includes everything you need for a complete system - just add fixtures. Kit includes remote mount magnetic 300 watt 12 volt transformer, 3 inch rectangular power canopy, 8 foot Monorail Wall, two 1 inch standoffs and 2 pairs of end caps. Finish satin nickel. Also available in polished nickel or antique bronze.
Spirit Fast Jack fixture head with S5 big solid shade features a cool to touch frosted polycarbonate handle, rotates 360 degrees and tilts 250 degrees. Available in 3, 6, or 12 inch stem lengths. Mounts to a Monorail connector, Monorail 2 Circuit connector, or Fast Jack power canopy, sold separately. Finish available in satin nickel, polished nickel, or bronze. Accessory finish available in satin nickel, polished nickel, or antique bronze. One 50 Watt, 12 Volt, MR16 GU5.3 lamp or LED MR16-12VAC not included. ETL listed
TruLine .5 2.5W 24VDC Plaster-In LED System creates a clean line of glare free general illumination within drywall. The linear LED system features a shallow .5 inch deep plaster in aluminum extrusion no thicker than drywall and houses one 2.5 watt row of commercial grade white LED Soft Strip. The .5 inch wide diffuser lens projects a clean line of light without LED dots. System mounts directly to studs without joist modification. TruLine is sold in 1 foot increments up to 40 feet at 2.5 watts per foot, 95+ CRI, in 2700K Very Warm White or 3000K Warm White color temperature, delivering 116 lumens per foot. 50,000 hour average lamp life. TruLine extrusion may be field cut. LED Soft Strip may be cut every 2.4 inches. System includes TruLine .5 channels, end caps, LED Soft Strip, TL.5 special junction box and all mounting hardware. Power supply options include a Class 2 24 volt 96 or 192 watt dimmable with a Lightolier Sunrise SR1200ZTUNV; Leviton IP710-DL; Lutron Radio Ra2 with Grafik Eye, RRD-10ND and GRX-TVI; Grafik Eye QS with Grafik Eye, QSGRJ-XP and GRX-TVI; Diva with Grafik Eye, DVTV and PP20; Nova T with Grafik Eye, NTFTV-WH and PP20, sold separately. Fixture includes a 5 year warranty. Made in USA.
TruLine .5 2.5W 24VDC Plaster-In LED System creates a clean line of glare free general illumination within drywall. The linear LED system features a shallow .5 inch deep plaster in aluminum extrusion no thicker than drywall and houses one 2.5 watt row of commercial grade white LED Soft Strip. The .5 inch wide diffuser lens projects a clean line of light without LED dots. System mounts directly to studs without joist modification. TruLine is sold in 1 foot increments up to 40 feet at 2.5 watts per foot, 95+ CRI, in 2700K Very Warm White or 3000K Warm White color temperature, delivering 116 lumens per foot. 50,000 hour average lamp life. TruLine extrusion may be field cut. LED Soft Strip may be cut every 2.4 inches. System includes TruLine .5 channels, end caps, LED Soft Strip, TL.5 special junction box and all mounting hardware. Power supply options include a Class 2 24 volt 96 or 192 watt dimmable with a Lightolier Sunrise SR1200ZTUNV; Leviton IP710-DL; Lutron Radio Ra2 with Grafik Eye, RRD-10ND and GRX-TVI; Grafik Eye QS with Grafik Eye, QSGRJ-XP and GRX-TVI; Diva with Grafik Eye, DVTV and PP20; Nova T with Grafik Eye, NTFTV-WH and PP20, sold separately. Fixture includes a 5 year warranty. Made in USA.
Monorail Wall kit includes everything you need for a complete system - just add fixtures. Kit includes remote mount magnetic 300 watt 12 volt transformer, 3 inch rectangular power canopy, 8 foot Monorail Wall, two 1 inch standoffs and 2 pairs of end caps. Finish satin nickel. Also available in polished nickel or antique bronze.
Spirit Fast Jack fixture head with S5 big solid shade features a cool to touch frosted polycarbonate handle, rotates 360 degrees and tilts 250 degrees. Available in 3, 6, or 12 inch stem lengths. Mounts to a Monorail connector, Monorail 2 Circuit connector, or Fast Jack power canopy, sold separately. Finish available in satin nickel, polished nickel, or bronze. Accessory finish available in satin nickel, polished nickel, or antique bronze. One 50 Watt, 12 Volt, MR16 GU5.3 lamp or LED MR16-12VAC not included. ETL listed
TruLine .5 2.5W 24VDC Plaster-In LED System creates a clean line of glare free general illumination within drywall. The linear LED system features a shallow .5 inch deep plaster in aluminum extrusion no thicker than drywall and houses one 2.5 watt row of commercial grade white LED Soft Strip. The .5 inch wide diffuser lens projects a clean line of light without LED dots. System mounts directly to studs without joist modification. TruLine is sold in 1 foot increments up to 40 feet at 2.5 watts per foot, 95+ CRI, in 2700K Very Warm White or 3000K Warm White color temperature, delivering 116 lumens per foot. 50,000 hour average lamp life. TruLine extrusion may be field cut. LED Soft Strip may be cut every 2.4 inches. System includes TruLine .5 channels, end caps, LED Soft Strip, TL.5 special junction box and all mounting hardware. Power supply options include a Class 2 24 volt 96 or 192 watt dimmable with a Lightolier Sunrise SR1200ZTUNV; Leviton IP710-DL; Lutron Radio Ra2 with Grafik Eye, RRD-10ND and GRX-TVI; Grafik Eye QS with Grafik Eye, QSGRJ-XP and GRX-TVI; Diva with Grafik Eye, DVTV and PP20; Nova T with Grafik Eye, NTFTV-WH and PP20, sold separately. Fixture includes a 5 year warranty. Made in USA.
TruLine .5 2.5W 24VDC Plaster-In LED System creates a clean line of glare free general illumination within drywall. The linear LED system features a shallow .5 inch deep plaster in aluminum extrusion no thicker than drywall and houses one 2.5 watt row of commercial grade white LED Soft Strip. The .5 inch wide diffuser lens projects a clean line of light without LED dots. System mounts directly to studs without joist modification. TruLine is sold in 1 foot increments up to 40 feet at 2.5 watts per foot, 95+ CRI, in 2700K Very Warm White or 3000K Warm White color temperature, delivering 116 lumens per foot. 50,000 hour average lamp life. TruLine extrusion may be field cut. LED Soft Strip may be cut every 2.4 inches. System includes TruLine .5 channels, end caps, LED Soft Strip, TL.5 special junction box and all mounting hardware. Power supply options include a Class 2 24 volt 96 or 192 watt dimmable with a Lightolier Sunrise SR1200ZTUNV; Leviton IP710-DL; Lutron Radio Ra2 with Grafik Eye, RRD-10ND and GRX-TVI; Grafik Eye QS with Grafik Eye, QSGRJ-XP and GRX-TVI; Diva with Grafik Eye, DVTV and PP20; Nova T with Grafik Eye, NTFTV-WH and PP20, sold separately. Fixture includes a 5 year warranty. Made in USA.
2008 Cincinnati Magazine Interior Design Award
Photography: Mike Bresnen
シンシナティのモダンスタイルのおしゃれな地下室 (白い壁、全地下、グレーの床) の写真
We were asked to create something really special for one of our most admired clients. This home has been a labor of love for both of us as we finally made it exactly what she wanted it to be. After many concept ideas we landed on a design that is stunning! All of the elements on her wish list are incorporated in this challenging, multi-level landscape: A front yard to match the modern traditional-style home while creating privacy from the street; a side yard that proudly connects the front and back; and a lower level with plantings in lush greens, whites, purples and pinks and plentiful lawn space for kids and dogs. Her outdoor living space includes an outdoor kitchen with bar, outdoor living room with fireplace, dining patio, a bedroom-adjacent lounging patio with modern fountain, enclosed vegetable garden, rose garden walk with European-style fountain and meditation bench, and a fire pit with sitting area on the upper level to take in the panoramic views of the sunset over the wooded ridge. Outdoor lighting brings it alive at night, and for parties you can’t beat the killer sound system!
An all-white high gloss modern kitchen accented with a bold splash of orange.
Can't decide on a cooktop configuration? Make it a combination! Our clients wanted the convenience and the properties of an induction cooktop, but were also all-season grillers. So why not have both?
Nat Rea
プロビデンスのビーチスタイルのおしゃれな二階建ての家 (木材サイディング、切妻屋根) の写真
We were asked to create something really special for one of our most admired clients. This home has been a labor of love for both of us as we finally made it exactly what she wanted it to be. After many concept ideas we landed on a design that is stunning! All of the elements on her wish list are incorporated in this challenging, multi-level landscape: A front yard to match the modern traditional-style home while creating privacy from the street; a side yard that proudly connects the front and back; and a lower level with plantings in lush greens, whites, purples and pinks and plentiful lawn space for kids and dogs. Her outdoor living space includes an outdoor kitchen with bar, outdoor living room with fireplace, dining patio, a bedroom-adjacent lounging patio with modern fountain, enclosed vegetable garden, rose garden walk with European-style fountain and meditation bench, and a fire pit with sitting area on the upper level to take in the panoramic views of the sunset over the wooded ridge. Outdoor lighting brings it alive at night, and for parties you can’t beat the killer sound system!
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
Avid cooks and entertainers purchased this 1925 Tudor home that had only been partially renovated in the 80's. Cooking is a very important part of this hobby chef's life and so we really had to make the best use of space and storage in this kitchen. Modernizing while achieving maximum functionality, and opening up to the family room were all on the "must" list, and a custom banquette and large island helps for parties and large entertaining gatherings.
Cabinets are from Cabico, their Elmwood series in both white paint, and walnut in a natural stained finish. Stainless steel counters wrap the perimeter, while Caesarstone quartz is used on the island. The seated part of the island is walnut to match the cabinetry. The backsplash is a mosaic from Marble Systems. The shelving unit on the wall is custom built to utilize the small wall space and get additional open storage for everyday items.
A 3 foot Galley sink is the main focus of the island, and acts as a workhorse prep and cooking space. This is aired with a faucet from Waterstone, with a matching at the prep sink on the exterior wall and a potfiller over the Dacor Range. Built-in Subzero Refrigerator and Freezer columns provide plenty of fresh food storage options. In the prep area along the exterior wall, a built in ice maker, microwave drawer, warming drawer, and additional/secondary dishwasher drawer helps the second cook during larger party prep.