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.

Two Clopay Model 33 flush Luan mahogany doors with Long Panel windows provide warmth and a sleek upgrade for this in-town Austin home. The doors were finished using the Sikkens Cetol 1/23+ stain system to increase the doors' elegance and to assure that they look like new for years. (BTW, the "pea shooter" at the left door is a flag holder:-)

Piassick Photography

Glenn Layton Homes, LLC, "Building Your Coastal Lifestyle"

TruStile Modern Door Collection - TM13420 in Walnut with 3Form Resin and 1/8" radius reveal. Trent Bell Photography

Custom Front Entry Door - Single with 2 Sidelites - Craftsman Collection - Doors For Builders Inc. Model: DB-311 2SL CST 68-11/16 x 86-3/4 x 4-9/16 (inches) Shown in Mahogany Wood with Walnut Finish

Photo by Benjamin Hill

The kitchen footprint is rather large, allowing for extensive cabinetry, a center island in addition to the peninsula, and double ovens.

Photo Credit: Emily Followill

Architecture that is synonymous with the age of elegance, this welcoming Georgian style design reflects and emphasis for symmetry with the grand entry, stairway and front door focal point. Near Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, this newly completed Georgian style home includes a renovation, new garage and rear addition that provided new and updated spacious rooms including an eat-in kitchen, mudroom, butler pantry, home office and family room that overlooks expansive patio and backyard spaces. The second floor showcases and elegant master suite. A collection of new and antique furnishings, modern art, and sunlit rooms, compliment the traditional architectural detailing, dark wood floors, and enameled woodwork. A true masterpiece. Call today for an informational meeting, tour or portfolio review. BUILDER: Streeter & Associates, Renovation Division - Bob Near ARCHITECT: Peterssen/Keller INTERIOR: Engler Studio PHOTOGRAPHY: Karen Melvin Photography

Photography by VHT

The Port Ludlow Residence is a compact, 2400 SF modern house located on a wooded waterfront property at the north end of the Hood Canal, a long, fjord-like arm of western Puget Sound. The house creates a simple glazed living space that opens up to become a front porch to the beautiful Hood Canal. The east-facing house is sited along a high bank, with a wonderful view of the water. The main living volume is completely glazed, with 12-ft. high glass walls facing the view and large, 8-ft.x8-ft. sliding glass doors that open to a slightly raised wood deck, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor space. During the warm summer months, the living area feels like a large, open porch. Anchoring the north end of the living space is a two-story building volume containing several bedrooms and separate his/her office spaces. The interior finishes are simple and elegant, with IPE wood flooring, zebrawood cabinet doors with mahogany end panels, quartz and limestone countertops, and Douglas Fir trim and doors. Exterior materials are completely maintenance-free: metal siding and aluminum windows and doors. The metal siding has an alternating pattern using two different siding profiles. The house has a number of sustainable or “green” building features, including 2x8 construction (40% greater insulation value); generous glass areas to provide natural lighting and ventilation; large overhangs for sun and rain protection; metal siding (recycled steel) for maximum durability, and a heat pump mechanical system for maximum energy efficiency. Sustainable interior finish materials include wood cabinets, linoleum floors, low-VOC paints, and natural wool carpet.

Photo: Esther Hershcovic © 2013 Houzz Design: Studio MMA

Facing a busy street, the entry has a heavy wood door with a speakeasy. An array of glass blocks, sandblasted for privacy, let in light. Using the wall depth for a mirror and shelf refrains from crowding the small space.

Christopher Davison, AIA

The dining area in the backyard is shaded by an arbor built out of reclaimed timbers.

Low-E Tempered Double Glazed French Knotty Alder Solid Classic Arch Lite 2 Panel Front Single Door Wrought 80" Tall Wind-load Rated FSC SFI Mahogany The mahogany Portobello and Legacy Series is a stunning design series of traditional, exquisite doors. Mahogany is a red-brown hardwood used primarily for only the highest grade of wood doors. Mahogany will vary from rich golden to deep red-brown colors and has a beautiful finish when stained and sealed. Knotty Alder The knotty alder EstanciaR Series is a charming rustic design series of beautiful and desirable doors. Knotty alder is an American hardwood, growing in the west from California to northern Alaska. Knotty alder offers a beautiful “closed pore” grain and has a beautiful finish when stained and sealed. FSC & SFI Chain-Of-Custody Certified FSC Forest Stewardship Council SFI Sustainable Forestry Initiative SKU E06662WV-G-WEAV1V Prehung SKU WEAV1V Associated Door SKU E06662WV-G Associated Products skus E75862WV , E75852WV , E75842WV , E75752WV , E75742WV , E75672WV , E75662WV , E06862WV , E06852WV , E06842WV , E06752WV , E06742WV , E06672WV , E06662WV Door Configuration Single Door Prehung Options Prehung/Door with Frame and Hinges Prehung Options Prehung PreFinished Options No Grain Knotty Alder Material Wood Door Width- 36"[3'-0"] Door height 80 in. (6-8) Door Size 3'-0" x 6'-8" Thickness (inch) 1 3/4 (1.75) Rough Opening 37-1/2 x 82 DP Rating +47.2|-51.4 Product Type Entry Door Door Type Exterior Door Style No Lite Style Arch Lite Panel Style 2 Panel Approvals Wind-load Rated, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) Door Options No Door Glass Type Double Glazed Door Glass Features Tempered, Low-E Glass Texture Clear -No Obscurity-[1], Flemish -Light Obscurity-[2-3], Water -Moderate Obscurity-[4-5], Baroque -Moderate Obscurity-[4-5], Glue Chip -High Obscurity-[7], Fluted -High Obscurity-[7], Rain -Highest Obscurity-[8-9] Glass Caming No Door Model Valencia Door Construction Estancia Collection External Wrought Iron Brand GC Shipping Size (w)"x (l)"x (h)" 25" (w)x 108" (l)x 52" (h) Weight 166.6667 Lead Time (day) prehung Doors: 7 Business Days Prehung:14 Business Days Prefinished, PreHung:21 Business Days Condition New Door Height N/A

Kitchen with pantry behind screen door