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.

Benny Chan

This master bathroom was completely redesigned and relocation of drains and removal and rebuilding of walls was done to complete a new layout. For the entrance barn doors were installed which really give this space the rustic feel. The main feature aside from the entrance is the freestanding tub located in the center of this master suite with a tiled bench built off the the side. The vanity is a Knotty Alder wood cabinet with a driftwood finish from Sollid Cabinetry. The 4" backsplash is a four color blend pebble rock from Emser Tile. The counter top is a remnant from Pental Quartz in "Alpine". The walk in shower features a corner bench and all tile used in this space is a 12x24 pe tuscania laid vertically. The shower also features the Emser Rivera pebble as the shower pan an decorative strip on the shower wall that was used as the backsplash in the vanity area. Photography by Scott Basile

This Boulder, Colorado remodel by fuentesdesign demonstrates the possibility of renewal in American suburbs, and Passive House design principles. Once an inefficient single story 1,000 square-foot ranch house with a forced air furnace, has been transformed into a two-story, solar powered 2500 square-foot three bedroom home ready for the next generation. The new design for the home is modern with a sustainable theme, incorporating a palette of natural materials including; reclaimed wood finishes, FSC-certified pine Zola windows and doors, and natural earth and lime plasters that soften the interior and crisp contemporary exterior with a flavor of the west. A Ninety-percent efficient energy recovery fresh air ventilation system provides constant filtered fresh air to every room. The existing interior brick was removed and replaced with insulation. The remaining heating and cooling loads are easily met with the highest degree of comfort via a mini-split heat pump, the peak heat load has been cut by a factor of 4, despite the house doubling in size. During the coldest part of the Colorado winter, a wood stove for ambiance and low carbon back up heat creates a special place in both the living and kitchen area, and upstairs loft. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. These windows also provide a seamless indoor/outdoor connection, with 9′ wide folding doors from the dining area and a matching 9′ wide custom countertop folding window that opens the kitchen up to a grassy court where mature trees provide shade and extend the living space during the summer months. With air-tight construction, this home meets the Passive House Retrofit (EnerPHit) air-tightness standard of

A playful combination of knots and meandering lines infuse La Bohème with a sense of movement and depth. This captivating Lebanon cedar inspired pattern has an attractive texture, both visual and tactile, owing to Neolith Digital Design technology. La Bohème combines well with other patterns to create a dynamic and stimulating space. Inspired by earthy, natural landscapes, warm brown tones are characteristic of Barro. Its dark, ethereal patterning beautifully complements more strongly pronounced designs. It has a harmonising effect, tying together the other patterns in the room.

Jeff Heatley

Midcentury Modern Guest Bathroom

This statement powder room is the only windowless room in the Riverbend residence. The room reads as a tunnel: arched full-length mirrors indefinitely reflect the brass railroad tracks set in the floor, creating a dramatic trompe l’oeil tunnel effect. Residential architecture and interior design by CLB in Jackson, Wyoming – Bozeman, Montana.

The serene and luxurious master bath has a large, walk-in shower with walls of limestone and glass. Operable windows with high sills allow great views of the Presidio but no sight lines in. Photographer Joe Fletcher, Matthew Millman

in this newly constructed home this small bathroom has many roles, glamorous powder bath, guest bath duty for the adjoining guest room bedrooms and with the only tub in the home, a spa like retreat for the lady of the house! Design solutions included a self deck tub installed with great precision so that the tub apron of horizontal stacked glass tile slips seamlessly under the tub lip, a custom bi-fold glass doors that folds upon itself and can be stacked against the wall allowing for an open bathing experience as well as providing splash protection for the shower and a simple vanity cabinet suspended beneath a waterfall counter. The concrete floor flows seamlessly from the main part of the home and provides the perfect textural backdrop for the sleek porcelain shower and wall tiles that have been vertically installed. Dave Adams Photography

Architecture: Sutro Architects Landscape Architecture: Arterra Landscape Architects Builder: Upscale Construction Photography: Christopher Stark

The main bathroom was beautiful and functional with a European washing machine cabinet.

This image captures the sleek interplay of materials within a modern shower enclosure. The brushed chrome frame of the glass screen stands atop the uniform surface of the microcement, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail in the design. The glass acts as a silent guardian, separating yet not dividing, allowing the beauty of the microcement's texture to be admired without interruption. The subtlety of the microcement floor extends underfoot, its expansive and unblemished finish offering a sense of openness and fluidity that is both calming and luxurious. In the background, the black heated towel rail contrasts with the pristine walls, providing a striking visual anchor and a touch of industrial chic. This composition is a celebration of clean lines, reflective surfaces, and the understated elegance that defines contemporary bathroom design.

Daniel Newcomb photography, the decorators unlimited interiors.

Simon Menges

photography by raul garcia