| Magazine Photography of Truro Residence |
A recent photo shoot at the Truro residence for a major design magazine resulted in some stunning images of our work. We'll have a full selection available soon, but in the meantime here are a couple of spectacular samples to whet your appetite.
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| Massachusetts Zero Net Energy Update |
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The Zero Net Energy Buildings' residential working group has made great progress to date. We have drafted together 5 recommendations (plus/minus one or two as we're still fleshing them out) that we believe will help the Governor realize his goal of market rate zero net energy buildings by 2030. We will be meeting with the broader task force next week after which we will begin finalizing the work for input into the final report.
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| Featured Design Project |
Craftsman Renovation - Newton, Massachusetts
Basics
- Square Footage: 4570 - Bedrooms: 5 - Bathrooms: 4 Full, 1 Half
Home
Formal Foyer, Formal Dining, Chef's Kitchen, Extensive Wood Paneling, Original Stained Glass Windows, Master Suite, Au Pair Suite, Guest Suite, Sunroom, Study, Children's Playroom, Mudroom, Garage
Energy
Spray Foam Insulation, Energy Star Windows, High Efficiency Natural Gas Boiler, Heat Recovery Ventilator
Health
Low to No Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Materials, Simple to Clean Floor Surfaces, Walk-off Entry Area
Green
Low Flow Fixtures, Recycled Glass Tile, Rain Water Catchment, Low Maintenance Materials, Walk to Town Location
Overview
When architect James H. Ritchie designed a Craftsman residence for himself in 1912, he chose to include many of the latest features and technologies available at the time. Later, the home was purchased by another architect who maintained many original details but renovated the kitchen. The homes new owners, a professional couple that recently moved from San Francisco, saw that the home was in dire need of updates.
Design Challenge
The client's active lifestyle balances both family and work time in the home, and they wanted to raise their children in a healthy home environment. The client sought to update the home to support their modern lifestyle and values, yet wanted to maintain all the charm and warmth of the original Craftsman style.
Though the home's kitchen layout was already well designed and could remain relatively intact, the rest of the home was in poor shape. Program-wise, it lacked any up to date bathrooms, was missing a children's play area, and needed a modern mudroom. Further, the home needed a general update, as evidenced by the ancient tube and knob wiring still in use, single pane windows, 1960's-era boiler, asbestos insulation, and numerous other issues.
Program Updates
All of the existing bathrooms will be completely renovated, including new plumbing fixtures, tile work, lighting, and accessories. The new master bathroom (pictured above) follows suit with a sleek modern look, while the children's and Au Pair's bathrooms will feature a modern interpretation of classic Craftsman style. A new half bathroom will be installed in the first floor addition, which will also include a new mudroom.
Energy Performance Updates
ZED will be designing system updates for the building envelope, electrical, and mechanical systems. Thermal photography and blower door tests were used to track before/after comparisons. Thermal envelope improvements include adding foam insulation in existing walls, insulating the foundation, replacing existing windows with energy-star windows, and replacing the entire heating and cooling system.
ZED is providing the architectural design, energy design, and mechanical engineering for the residence, while construction is being provided by Sustainable Construction Services.
One of several new bathrooms being constructed now:
ZED designs responsible custom homes.
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| Free Water Saving Fixtures |
 The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) has a program named Operation WaterSense which has helped reduce demand in the MWRA community by 110 million gallons per day.
For Massachusetts residents located within their customer community they are offering free water efficiency kits, in cooperation with the EPA's WaterSense program.
Check to see if your community is on the list, fill out the simple paperwork, and start saving water now! Free Water Saving Fixtures
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| Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle |
Construction and demolition waste are a growing problem in the United States. Before you begin your renovation or start building a new home, consider the resources provided by the US EPA for reuse, reduction, and recycling.
Also, if your project is in California, Colorado, Washington, or parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Kansas, you may be a prime candidate for deconstruction and benefit from an income tax write-off.
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| Design Resource |
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The cold weather has arrived.
Architonic features stylish wood stoves
and fireplaces to keep you warm.
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| Awareness of Buildings as Leading Emission Source |
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New poll results from AutoDesk are in: Only 4% of Americans surveyed know that buildings--not automobiles--are the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States!
Awareness and education are the first steps to dealing with the issue.
Read more in ecohome magazine:
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