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.

"Best of Houzz" symmetry ARCHITECTS [architecture] | tatum BROWN homes [builder] | danny PIASSICK [photography]

In 2014, we were approached by a couple to achieve a dream space within their existing home. They wanted to expand their existing bar, wine, and cigar storage into a new one-of-a-kind room. Proud of their Italian heritage, they also wanted to bring an “old-world” feel into this project to be reminded of the unique character they experienced in Italian cellars. The dramatic tone of the space revolves around the signature piece of the project; a custom milled stone spiral stair that provides access from the first floor to the entry of the room. This stair tower features stone walls, custom iron handrails and spindles, and dry-laid milled stone treads and riser blocks. Once down the staircase, the entry to the cellar is through a French door assembly. The interior of the room is clad with stone veneer on the walls and a brick barrel vault ceiling. The natural stone and brick color bring in the cellar feel the client was looking for, while the rustic alder beams, flooring, and cabinetry help provide warmth. The entry door sequence is repeated along both walls in the room to provide rhythm in each ceiling barrel vault. These French doors also act as wine and cigar storage. To allow for ample cigar storage, a fully custom walk-in humidor was designed opposite the entry doors. The room is controlled by a fully concealed, state-of-the-art HVAC smoke eater system that allows for cigar enjoyment without any odor.

Photo: Jeni Lee © 2013 Houzz

Our client loves old doors. This one is mounted on the rear exterior over a landscaped bed. Tre Dunham with Fine Focus Photography

Tommy Daspit Photographer Rear of house Tommy Daspit offers the very best in architectural, commercial and real estate photography for the Birmingham, Alabama metro area. If you are looking for high quality real estate photography, with a high level of professionalism, and fast turn around, contact Tommy Daspit Photographer (205) 516-6993 tommy@tommydaspit.com You can view more of his work on this website: http://tommydaspit.com

Brandon Barre

Louise Lakier Photography © 2012 Houzz

Rob Karosis

Southern Living 2008 Green Idea House. A separate three-story barn-style structure houses a two-car garage on the first floor, with a guest suite above. Doors shown: Clopay Reserve Collection custom wood carriage house doors in cedar.

Paul Dyer Photography: Situated on a San Francisco hilltop, this 100 year old bungalow received a complete renovation by McElroy Architecture. Opening up to the panoramic views are expansive sliding doors on each level. Quantum’s Lift & Slide doors are equipped with stainless steel carriage systems in aluminum dark bronze, euro black weather-stripping, bronze anodized sill track and head guide finish, and oil rubbed bronze levers and flush pulls. Our Hinged doors were installed with full mortise butt hinges finished in dark oil rubbed bronze, and sills featuring 6” legs beyond side jambs. The Signature Series push-out sash windows feature handle and strike hardware in oil rubbed bronze finish, bronze weather-stripping and four bar stainless steel friction hinges. The French casement windows have flush bolts mounted to floating astragal in a dark oil rubbed bronze finish. The home also incorporates Euro Series fixed panels coupled with a special angled Signature Series transom. Furthermore, we find throughout the project, obscure glazing specified as acid-etched satin translucent. The project’s windows and doors are made of Douglas Fir, with Sapele door sills, interior rectangular sticking and exterior beveled glazing stops.