This room plays off a white backdrop against textures, recycled timbers and soft grey accessories. Add the faux fireplace and the room is made for sweet dreams! Photography by Sue Murray - imagineit.net.au

Making the most of a wooded lot and interior courtyard, Braxton Werner and Paul Field of Wernerfield Architects transformed this former 1960s ranch house to an inviting yet unapologetically modern home. Outfitted with Western Window Systems products throughout, the home’s beautiful exterior views are framed with large expanses of glass that let in loads of natural light. Multi-slide doors in the bedroom and living areas connect the outdoors with the home’s family-friendly interiors.

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

Architect: Michael Waters, AIA, LDa Architecture & Interiors Photography By: Greg Premru “This project succeeds not only in creating beautiful architecture, but in making us better understand the nature of the site and context. It has a presence that feels completely rooted in its site and raised above any appeal to fashion. It clarifies local traditions while extending them.” This single-family residential estate in Upstate New York includes a farmhouse-inspired residence along with a timber-framed barn and attached greenhouse adjacent to an enclosed garden area and surrounded by an orchard. The ultimate goal was to create a home that would have an authentic presence in the surrounding agricultural landscape and strong visual and physical connections to the site. The design incorporated an existing colonial residence, resituated on the site and preserved along with contemporary additions on three sides. The resulting home strikes a perfect balance between traditional farmhouse architecture and sophisticated contemporary living. Inspiration came from the hilltop site and mountain views, the existing colonial residence, and the traditional forms of New England farm and barn architecture. The house and barn were designed to be a modern interpretation of classic forms. The living room and kitchen are combined in a large two-story space. Large windows on three sides of the room and at both first and second floor levels reveal a panoramic view of the surrounding farmland and flood the space with daylight. Marvin Windows helped create this unique space as well as the airy glass galleries that connect the three main areas of the home. Marvin Windows were also used in the barn. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Ultimate Casement Window Marvin Ultimate Double Hung Window Marvin Ultimate Venting Picture Window

Wood inlay ceiling, crown molding, trey ceiling, window, decorative window frame, decorative range hood, black granite, faux paint, decorative backsplash, elegant, open concept, tiered ceiling, marble floor, cherry cabinets, cook top, valance, cornice

In this combination living room/ family room, form vs function is at it's best.. Formal enough to host a cocktail party, and comfortable enough to host a football game. The wrap around sectional accommodates 5-6 people and the oversized ottoman has room enough for everyone to put their feet up! The high back, stylized wing chair offers comfort and a lamp for reading. Decorative accessories are placed in the custom built bookcases freeing table top space for drinks, books, etc. Magazines and current reading are neatly placed in the rattan tray for easy access. The overall neutral color palette is punctuated by soft shades of blue around the room. LORRAINE G VALE photo by Michael Costa

Like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/centresky Designed as a prominent display of Architecture, Elk Ridge Lodge stands firmly upon a ridge high atop the Spanish Peaks Club in Big Sky, Montana. Designed around a number of principles; sense of presence, quality of detail, and durability, the monumental home serves as a Montana Legacy home for the family. Throughout the design process, the height of the home to its relationship on the ridge it sits, was recognized the as one of the design challenges. Techniques such as terracing roof lines, stretching horizontal stone patios out and strategically placed landscaping; all were used to help tuck the mass into its setting. Earthy colored and rustic exterior materials were chosen to offer a western lodge like architectural aesthetic. Dry stack parkitecture stone bases that gradually decrease in scale as they rise up portray a firm foundation for the home to sit on. Historic wood planking with sanded chink joints, horizontal siding with exposed vertical studs on the exterior, and metal accents comprise the remainder of the structures skin. Wood timbers, outriggers and cedar logs work together to create diversity and focal points throughout the exterior elevations. Windows and doors were discussed in depth about type, species and texture and ultimately all wood, wire brushed cedar windows were the final selection to enhance the "elegant ranch" feel. A number of exterior decks and patios increase the connectivity of the interior to the exterior and take full advantage of the views that virtually surround this home. Upon entering the home you are encased by massive stone piers and angled cedar columns on either side that support an overhead rail bridge spanning the width of the great room, all framing the spectacular view to the Spanish Peaks Mountain Range in the distance. The layout of the home is an open concept with the Kitchen, Great Room, Den, and key circulation paths, as well as certain elements of the upper level open to the spaces below. The kitchen was designed to serve as an extension of the great room, constantly connecting users of both spaces, while the Dining room is still adjacent, it was preferred as a more dedicated space for more formal family meals. There are numerous detailed elements throughout the interior of the home such as the "rail" bridge ornamented with heavy peened black steel, wire brushed wood to match the windows and doors, and cannon ball newel post caps. Crossing the bridge offers a unique perspective of the Great Room with the massive cedar log columns, the truss work overhead bound by steel straps, and the large windows facing towards the Spanish Peaks. As you experience the spaces you will recognize massive timbers crowning the ceilings with wood planking or plaster between, Roman groin vaults, massive stones and fireboxes creating distinct center pieces for certain rooms, and clerestory windows that aid with natural lighting and create exciting movement throughout the space with light and shadow.

Comfortable dining area with window seat

Photography by Bruce Damonte

Luxury master bedroom by Karla Trincanello. Wall paint color: BMoore 198 Cornsilk. Then B. Moore opaque Pearl paint as a strie treatment. Then the pearl paint again to create the stripes and diagonal pattern over the paint treatmen Photo credit: Marisa Pellegrini

The walls and ceiling of the small bedroom were painted a deep peacock blue, which blurs the lines of the space to make it appear larger. To the left, the center piece is a framed hand woven textile and the bottom piece is a framed New Yorker cover from the 1950's. Photo: John Dolan Photography

Lake Front Country Estate Living Room, designed by Tom Markalunas, built by Resort Custom Homes. Photography by Rachael Boling.

Named for its enduring beauty and timeless architecture – Magnolia is an East Coast Hampton Traditional design. Boasting a main foyer that offers a stunning custom built wall paneled system that wraps into the framed openings of the formal dining and living spaces. Attention is drawn to the fine tile and granite selections with open faced nailed wood flooring, and beautiful furnishings. This Magnolia, a Markay Johnson crafted masterpiece, is inviting in its qualities, comfort of living, and finest of details. Builder: Markay Johnson Construction Architect: John Stewart Architects Designer: KFR Design

Architect: Rick Shean & Christopher Simmonds, Christopher Simmonds Architect Inc. Photography By: Peter Fritz “Feels very confident and fluent. Love the contrast between first and second floor, both in material and volume. Excellent modern composition.” This Gatineau Hills home creates a beautiful balance between modern and natural. The natural house design embraces its earthy surroundings, while opening the door to a contemporary aesthetic. The open ground floor, with its interconnected spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows, allows sunlight to flow through uninterrupted, showcasing the beauty of the natural light as it varies throughout the day and by season. The façade of reclaimed wood on the upper level, white cement board lining the lower, and large expanses of floor-to-ceiling windows throughout are the perfect package for this chic forest home. A warm wood ceiling overhead and rustic hand-scraped wood floor underfoot wrap you in nature’s best. Marvin’s floor-to-ceiling windows invite in the ever-changing landscape of trees and mountains indoors. From the exterior, the vertical windows lead the eye upward, loosely echoing the vertical lines of the surrounding trees. The large windows and minimal frames effectively framed unique views of the beautiful Gatineau Hills without distracting from them. Further, the windows on the second floor, where the bedrooms are located, are tinted for added privacy. Marvin’s selection of window frame colors further defined this home’s contrasting exterior palette. White window frames were used for the ground floor and black for the second floor. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Bi-Fold Door Marvin Sliding Patio Door Marvin Tilt Turn and Hopper Window Marvin Ultimate Awning Window Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Door

Mud room built around a window. Framed magnetic wall with picture light.

Design by Carol Luke. Breakdown of the room: Benjamin Moore HC 105 is on both the ceiling & walls. The darker color on the ceiling works b/c of the 10 ft height coupled w/the west facing window, lighting & white trim. Trim Color: Benj Moore Decorator White. Vanity is Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Wood-Mode Essex Recessed Door Style, Black Forest finish on cherry Countertop/Backsplash - Franco’s Marble Shop: Calacutta Gold marble Undermount Sink - Kohler “Devonshire” Tile- Mosaic Tile: baseboards - polished Arabescato base moulding, Arabescato Black Dot basketweave Crystal Ceiling light- Elk Lighting “Renaissance’ Sconces - Bellacor: “Normandie”, polished Nickel Faucet - Kallista: “Tuxedo”, polished nickel Mirror - Afina: “Radiance Venetian” Toilet - Barclay: “Victoria High Tank”, white w/satin nickel trim & pull chain Photo by Morgan Howarth.