Photography by Greg Hadley http://www.greghadleyphotography.com

The goal of this project was to build a house that would be energy efficient using materials that were both economical and environmentally conscious. Due to the extremely cold winter weather conditions in the Catskills, insulating the house was a primary concern. The main structure of the house is a timber frame from an nineteenth century barn that has been restored and raised on this new site. The entirety of this frame has then been wrapped in SIPs (structural insulated panels), both walls and the roof. The house is slab on grade, insulated from below. The concrete slab was poured with a radiant heating system inside and the top of the slab was polished and left exposed as the flooring surface. Fiberglass windows with an extremely high R-value were chosen for their green properties. Care was also taken during construction to make all of the joints between the SIPs panels and around window and door openings as airtight as possible. The fact that the house is so airtight along with the high overall insulatory value achieved from the insulated slab, SIPs panels, and windows make the house very energy efficient. The house utilizes an air exchanger, a device that brings fresh air in from outside without loosing heat and circulates the air within the house to move warmer air down from the second floor. Other green materials in the home include reclaimed barn wood used for the floor and ceiling of the second floor, reclaimed wood stairs and bathroom vanity, and an on-demand hot water/boiler system. The exterior of the house is clad in black corrugated aluminum with an aluminum standing seam roof. Because of the extremely cold winter temperatures windows are used discerningly, the three largest windows are on the first floor providing the main living areas with a majestic view of the Catskill mountains.

BACKGROUND Tom and Jill wanted a new space to replace a small entry at the front of their house- a space large enough for warm weather family gatherings and all the benefits a traditional Front Porch has to offer. SOLUTION We constructed an open four-column structure to provide space this family wanted. Low maintenance Green Remodeling products were used throughout. Designed by Lee Meyer Architects. Skirting designed and built by Greg Schmidt. Photos by Greg Schmidt

This is a French West Indies-inspired home with contemporary interiors. The floor plan was designed to provide lake views from every living area excluding the Media Room and 2nd story street-facing bedroom. Taking aging in place into consideration, there are master suites on both levels, elevator, and garage entrance. The three steps down at the entry were designed to get extra front footage while accommodating city height restrictions since the front of the lot is higher than the rear. The family business is run out of the home so a separate entrance to the office/conference room is off the front courtyard. Built on a lakefront lot, the home, its pool, and pool deck were all built on 138 pilings. The home boasts indoor/outdoor living spaces on both levels and uses retractable screens concealed in the 1st floor lanai and master bedroom sliding door opening. The screens hold up to 90% of the home’s conditioned air, serve as a shield to the western sun’s glare, and keep out insects. The 2nd floor master and exercise rooms open to the balcony and there is a window in the 2nd floor shower which frames the breathtaking lake view. This home maximizes its view! Photos by Harvey Smith Photography

With its cedar shake roof and siding, complemented by Swannanoa stone, this lakeside home conveys the Nantucket style beautifully. The overall home design promises views to be enjoyed inside as well as out with a lovely screened porch with a Chippendale railing. Throughout the home are unique and striking features. Antique doors frame the opening into the living room from the entry. The living room is anchored by an antique mirror integrated into the overmantle of the fireplace. The kitchen is designed for functionality with a 48” Subzero refrigerator and Wolf range. Add in the marble countertops and industrial pendants over the large island and you have a stunning area. Antique lighting and a 19th century armoire are paired with painted paneling to give an edge to the much-loved Nantucket style in the master. Marble tile and heated floors give way to an amazing stainless steel freestanding tub in the master bath. Rachael Boling Photography

Photo by Tria Giovan

This studio space above the garage serves the clients needs for her custom card making hobby. Utilizing the kneewalls we were able to carve out lots of great storage space with drawers and shelves. The sink is a salvage soapstone piece. The skylights provide both fresh air and help illuminate the space wonderfully during the day while the medium pear pendants from George Nelson and the Cirrus Ceiling Fan/light by Modern Fan Company help move the air and illuminate in the evenings. A great space for designing custom cards! Renovation/Addition. Rob Karosis Photography

Detail view of screened porch. Cathy Schwabe Architecture. Photograph by David Wakely.

Living room with a "window" view into the family room. Photography: Audrey Kerchner

Master Bedroom Mark Boisclair Photography

Two Story addition and Kitchen Renovation - included new family room, patio, bedroom, bathroom, laundry closet and screened porch with mahogany floors

Luxurious modern take on a traditional white Italian villa. An entry with a silver domed ceiling, painted moldings in patterns on the walls and mosaic marble flooring create a luxe foyer. Into the formal living room, cool polished Crema Marfil marble tiles contrast with honed carved limestone fireplaces throughout the home, including the outdoor loggia. Ceilings are coffered with white painted crown moldings and beams, or planked, and the dining room has a mirrored ceiling. Bathrooms are white marble tiles and counters, with dark rich wood stains or white painted. The hallway leading into the master bedroom is designed with barrel vaulted ceilings and arched paneled wood stained doors. The master bath and vestibule floor is covered with a carpet of patterned mosaic marbles, and the interior doors to the large walk in master closets are made with leaded glass to let in the light. The master bedroom has dark walnut planked flooring, and a white painted fireplace surround with a white marble hearth. The kitchen features white marbles and white ceramic tile backsplash, white painted cabinetry and a dark stained island with carved molding legs. Next to the kitchen, the bar in the family room has terra cotta colored marble on the backsplash and counter over dark walnut cabinets. Wrought iron staircase leading to the more modern media/family room upstairs. Project Location: North Ranch, Westlake, California. Remodel designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more. New custom designed Cape Cod home overlooking the water. The alder table was custom made for the space in two pieces, with hinges and support to make the table large enough for large family gatherings. White painted recessed paneled cabinets, wide plank pine floors. We matched the fabric colors to the owner's collection of colorful pottery. Kurt Magness: architect Stan Tenpenny, contractor Dina Pielaet, photographer