The 2011 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon produced a landmark entry that redefined what a net-zero energy home could look like. The University of Maryland team’s Watershed house, which took first place against 18 other collegiate entries from around the world, demonstrated that energy-efficient residential construction does not have to sacrifice comfort, aesthetics, or […]
Adding space to a home does not always require a sprawling new wing or a costly full-scale renovation. With thoughtful planning and creative design strategies, a small addition can dramatically improve how a family lives in their home. Architect Tina Govan demonstrated this principle when she designed a 650-square-foot addition for her growing family in
Building a home on a sloping hillside lot presents unique challenges, but it also offers opportunities for creative design and exceptional energy performance. A well-executed hillside home can nestle into its surroundings, capture sunlight and views, and achieve remarkable thermal efficiency through thoughtful construction methods. This article explores the key strategies behind building a curved,
Building a stone house has traditionally been a slow, labor-intensive process requiring skilled masons to lay each stone by hand. But an innovative method developed by builders in Montana turns this conventional wisdom on its head. By casting stone-faced concrete wall panels flat on the ground and lifting them into place with a crane, a
Learn how to build floating stairs with hidden steel brackets. This complete guide covers design principles, engineering, fabrication, and installation of stringerless stairs with cantilevered tread support.
R-15 continuous exterior rigid insulation in addition to cavity insulation creates a true thermal break and moves the assembly toward net-zero performance. For homeowners planning a net-zero or near-net-zero energy home, this is one of the most impactful single investments. Radiant barrier roof sheathing in hot climates reduces cooling loads by reflecting radiant heat away
Building a vacation home on a lake does not have to drain your savings. Gene and Sharon DeSmidt proved that with careful planning and smart construction choices, you can create a beautiful 825 sq. ft. lakeside retreat for just $125 per sq. ft. Their design proves that simple does not have to mean shortchanged. By
Building a home in a rugged cold climate presents unique challenges that demand durable materials and smart design. From deep snow loads to constant freeze-thaw cycles, mountain environments test every component of a house. One proven approach is combining insulated concrete form building systems for walls with structural insulated panels for the roof, creating a
Urban homeowners seeking to maximize limited outdoor space are increasingly turning to rooftop deck construction as a way to create private outdoor living areas in dense city environments. A well-designed rooftop deck transforms an unused flat roof or accessible roof area into a functional extension of the home, offering space for relaxation, entertaining, and even
Over a decade of designing mountain homes in Montana, architect Brian Hamor found his style evolving away from the traditional large timber frames and soaring stone fireplaces. He developed a more modern aesthetic inspired by the agricultural and industrial buildings of the old West. When he moved his family east to Stowe, Vermont, he carried
