All posts by Kristen Ordonez

Expert Q&A: A Conversation about Daylighting in Architecture

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Professor and author Mary Guzowski has a new architectural book debuting this summer entitled The Art of Architectural Daylighting. She recently sat down to discuss her interests in daylight as a building material and its importance in the architectural industry.

How can light affect the way a building is designed?
Lighting in buildings is dynamic, changing, and responsive… it’s not static. The building allows people to engage with it depending on how it’s designed — maybe walls open and close, or maybe sections of the home shut down depending on the season. Light is a literal building material.
What was your goal when writing “The Art of Architectural Daylighting?”
In the last decade there’s been a lot of new guidelines and standards, in particular a lot of new metrics around daylighting design that is more analytical. There’s a risk of ignoring the poetic aspect of daylighting. I wrote the book because I feel that it’s important to balance both.
I interviewed 18 architects and selected 12 interpretations of how to bridge the practical and poetic sides to daylighting. Each had different priorities, but there were patterns that I saw from interviews, which I structured into different categories in my book.
What about the process of putting this and the other books you’ve done do you enjoy?
I always write a book about things I want to learn about or don’t know. The most wonderful thing is talking with architects and engineers and learning how they do what they do. I love looking at patterns and trying to discern what other ideas might inform people and how I can be a channel for these patterns.

What lessons do you want readers to take from the book?
It was unanimous from all the architects that to study and understand daylighting it’s good to use physical models and put them outside, to understand the phenomenon of natural light. Many of the architects would start with small models and look inside to see how the light changed, experiment with texture and colors, then make mockups of full-scale spaces.
 
 
Guzowski has written other books regarding sustainability, including Towards Zero Energy Architecture: New Solar Design and Daylighting for Sustainable Design. She is a professor in the School of Architecture and helped design the MS in Sustainable Design at the University of Minnesota, as well as a co-author of the Carbon Neutral Design Project. The Art of Architectural Daylighting will be available for sale June 25th.
 

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CovetED Reveals Top 25 Most Influential Women in Design & Architecture

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Being an innovator such a unique and artistic industry as design and architecture takes time and extraordinary effort. To showcase the innovative women making large strides in this business, CovetED Magazine recently highlighted 25 of the most influential women in both design and architecture on their blog.

Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid, the iconic Iranian-British architect known for her powerful, neo-futuristic creations and exemplary architecture. Though her passing in 2016 has left the world with one less imaginative spirit, her artistic views exist in her projects and their impact on those who see or benefit from them.
One of these projects includes the Napoli-Afragola high-speed train station that provides a key interchange hub for four high-speed train lines. Located only 7.5 miles from Naples, these lines will link the north and south sections of the country.

Headshot photo credit: Dmitry Ternovoy. Train station photo credit: Pivari.com

Kelly Wearstler

Interior designer Kelly Wearstler also ranks highly on the list. Known for her aesthetics in modern California luxury, Wearstler’s business has grown remarkably since the early ’90s from a boutique interior design firm to a global lifestyle brand, with designs in lighting, fabrics and furniture in both residential and commercial spaces. Artistic pieces like this gold sculpture showcase a bold, unique presence that makes a statement.

Photos courstesy of flickr.com/designmilk

Neri Oxman

Architect, designer and inventor Neri Oxman is known for making her own statements in both the architectural and scientific fields of study. As Sony Corporation Career Development Professor and Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences at the MIT Media Lab, Oxman has coined the term material ecology, which considers “computation, fabrication, and the material itself as inseparable dimensions of design.
In this approach, products and buildings are biologically informed and digitally engineered by, with and for, Nature,” according to her website.

Some of Oxman’s work is included in permanent collections at the Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian Institute, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and other prestigious organizations. The MIT Media Lab features one of her structures titled Silk Pavilion, created using an algorithm that replicates a silkworm’s biological silk-spinning methods.

Photos courtesy Neri Oxman.

See CovetED Magazine’s full list of 25 female innovators in the link below!

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A Story of Design: Budapest Apartment by Margeza Design Studio

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Completed only just last year, the interior of this simple, beautiful Budapest apartment project was redesigned by husband-and-wife team Margit Szinger & Géza Hamori of Margeza Design Studio.

Like wayward travellers, Szinger and Hamori’s style of interior designing exists on a project-to-project basis, each one taking a year to complete. “Normally we do one project per year,” says Hamori, “we move in and try living there. Then we move on.”
Originally built in 1928, the apartment building lies in the historical center of Budapest near the Castle of Buda. It was later converted into 4 apartments with 2 additional apartments added from refurbishing the attic. Inside the Margeza apartment, the design team was able to implement their preferred style, and in a way themselves, into every room of the home.
“Our spirit reflects on our apartments. We like a minimal design, but the softer version is more pleasing for us,” Hamori says, noting their choices in curving furniture, vivid colours, irregularly shaped pieces that reflect a sense of playfulness.

The defining aspects of the apartment are the living green wall and the glass wall, which both emphasize liveliness by bringing the outdoors in. With the rest of the walls painted white, little spots of colors from pieces in the apartment add to the energy of the space.
Every detail was carefully orchestrated by the Margeza design team. Every electrical device was chosen to minimize energy consumption, including the use of LED lights only. The kitchen, doors and stairs were handcrafted and made-to-size. One of the most iconic buildings in the city, the Parliament of Budapest and the river that splits the city, is in full view from the living room window, a view that the team wanted to emphasize. To do so, special window panes were put in place so no divided lines would break up the views of the city skyline.

Another unique touch includes the white wool carpet in the living room that shows a map of Budapest, with each district rendered with different wool-lengths. The Danube river is marked blue and the location of the apartment itself is pinpointed in red.
“We like this method because it gives us more freedom, we do not have to conform to the tastes of a customer,” Hamori states. “We only accept commissions where we get complete liberty to design it as we want. The customer would see the finished, realized apartment with every fine detail.” Hamori further notes that he and his wife are maximalists and that their passion is to build homes that bring joy to those that live in them.
Having finished their project in Budapest and put the finished apartment up for sale, the team is ready for a new challenge.

Photos courtesy of Margeza Design Studio

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2018’s Best State Capitals to Live in

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State capitals are oftentimes thriving cities with a lot of economic and cultural value. In fact, they can be some of the best places to live in America. But not all state capitals are created equal. WalletHub has put together a list of 2018’s Best State Capitals to live in. And though 17 of them are the largest cities in their states, the biggest population doesn’t always represent the best quality of life.
In order to determine which state capitals make the best homes, WalletHub compared all 50 across 51 key indicators of affordability, economic strength, quality of education and health, and overall living standards. Our data set ranges from cost of living to K–12 school-system quality to number of attractions.

Best State Capitals to Live In

  1. Austin, TX
  2. Madison, WI
  3. Boise, ID
  4. Lincoln, NE
  5. Bismarck, ND
  6. Raleigh, NC
  7. Denver, CO
  8. Salt Lake City, UT
  9. Juneau, AK
  10. Concord, NH
  11.  Columbus, OH
  12. Helena, MT
  13. Olympia, WA
  14. Oklahoma City, OK
  15. St. Paul, MN
  16. Cheyenne, WY
  17. Montpelier, VT
  18. Pierre, SD
  19. Des Moines, IA
  20. Phoenix, AZ

Pictured above: Columbus, OH waterfront; Oklahoma City, OK

Out of these places:

  • Juneau, Alaska, has the highest median household income (adjusted for cost of living), $67,310, which is 2.6 times higher than in Hartford, Connecticut, the city with the lowest at $26,264.
  • Bismarck, North Dakota, has the lowest unemployment rate, 1.7 percent, which is 4.6 times lower than in Hartford, Connecticut, the city with the highest at 7.8 percent.
  • Providence, Rhode Island, has the lowest share of state-, local- and federal-government employees, 8.4 percent, which is 4.6 times lower than in Juneau, Alaska, the city with the highest at 38.4 percent.
  • Madison, Wisconsin has the highest share of adults 25 years and older with at least a bachelor’s degree, 56.3 percent, which is 4.7 times higher than in Trenton, New Jersey, the city with the lowest at 11.9 percent.

For the full story, and the entire list of best small cities, visit WalletHub.com.

Phoneix, AZ

Denver, CO

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On Location: One&Only Mandarina is an Immersive, Impactful Paradise

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Unique Homes takes a behind-the-scenes look at the new and exclusive resort, Mandarina, in Nayarit, Mexico.

By Kristen Ordonez

The curves and ridges of the cobblestone streets describe the character of the charming, seaside town of Sayulita, located on the western coastal state of Nayarit, Mexico. Unique Homes was recently invited by RLH and RSC and The Agency to stay in the town of Sayulita as part of a larger effort to discover and learn about Mandarina, a new exclusive resort that will feature hotel rooms, one of the world’s first collections of One&Only branded residences and other world-class amenities.
Though only a 15-minute drive separates Sayulita from the land Mandarina is located on, entering the site is like stepping directly into a tropical jungle, surrounded by the sounds of native creatures and the crashing waves along the Pacific coast. The site of the resort is expansive and includes a variety of landscapes that will feature amenities for every kind of adventure-seeker. The flat plots of fertile farmland lining the road to the property will offer locally grown produce for an authentic farm-to-table experience at the restaurants that will be on the site. In the background was an amazing protected mountain range that nestled us closer to the cliffs and the shore.

The steep climbs and alternating landscapes provide a challenge for active guests on the trail system, open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. These trails take you through thick patches of jungle that are both reminiscent of how out of our element you are, but also envelope you in a sense of quiet wonder that fill you with a sense of contentment. On the shore, two stretches of beach will satisfy those looking to relax somewhere that feels world’s away from everything. This property is the definition of unique, providing incredible vistas of every terrain imaginable, from the crystal clear waters you can see from cliffs formed by a long-dormant volcano many years ago, to the green flatlands that will eventually play host the world-class Mandarina Polo and Equestrian Club.
Apart from certain sections of the site that were already under construction, a large part of the property is waiting to be developed, which according to Ricardo Santa Cruz, RSC President and CEO, will be done in stages coinciding with sales of the One&Only Private Homes. Santa Cruz has been working and negotiating with citizens and authorities within the region for more than 10 years to acquire the land for Mandarina, an endeavor that has formed a closer relationship between Mandarina and the town along the coast of Nayarit. Santa Cruz, alongside architect Rick Joy, aim to bring a tailored luxury experience that immerses you into the landscape and the surrounding communities by keeping authenticity a key principle.
A sense of individuality and uniqueness are undeniable, as few have come to find once they set foot in Mandarina. There will be no other place quite like it.
A closer, in-depth look at the Mandarina project will be included in Unique Home’s upcoming Ultimate issue, which will be on sale in May.

Photos courtesy of Mandarina and Hayes Davidson

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Q&A with 21st-Century Explorer Ruth Gay

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This article originally appeared in the Fall 2017 edition of The High End magazine. For more information about The High End, click here.

Ruth Gay tells all about the launch of her business, her love for European architecture, and how she strives to remain authentic.

By Kristen Ordonez

Though born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Ruth Gay spent most of her childhood and adolescence growing up in Europe, traveling around the continent and living in places like Belgium, Ireland and Germany. This sense of adventure transpired into her career, as she opened Chateau Domingue, an architectural antiques firm, and became a 21st-century explorer. 

How did you start in this business? What inspired you to begin working with antique home pieces?

My husband and I were going to build a house and my idea for his birthday was to take a trip to France to celebrate and shop for pieces to include in our new home. I really wanted to bring Europe to Houston. When we got there, it was harder to find certain pieces even though I knew they were there, and this was before the Internet was “big.” In 2001, I went on my first buying trip, starting out with one employee in the fall, and by Valentine’s Day I was asking my husband for a forklift as my gift. Now, with somewhere between 70 to 80 employees, it’s definitely no longer a hobby.

How often do you travel to Europe and what do you typically look for?

Traditionally, I go about every other month, but recently with the start up of Domingue Architectural Finishes [see page 32] I’ve only gone about three times in the last year. Typically, I will buy anything, from flooring to beautiful mantels and doors. I will buy things like entire private chapels, entire ferry stations for components at a time, orangeries, reclaimed lighting, ceilings… a lot of stone, mixed materials, and stone tables.

Do you prefer the smaller items like stones and tables, as opposed to the larger pieces like chapels and ceilings?

No, it’s got to be big, the bigger the better. Although I have a really big door fetish at the moment; we have about 700 doors in our inventory.

What are your favorite areas to visit in Europe?

My favorite area to visit and to work is Provence. I love the people, the weather, and the lifestyle. I’m also in Belgium a lot, which I really love. When it comes to design, I think Belgians are some of the more forward-thinking people, whether it’s interior design, architecture, or clothing design. I think the Belgians really have it going on.

What do you mean, “forward-thinking”?

They love to use old materials, and yet it’s so clean and contemporary looking. It’s the way they use the old materials. They probably use the old materials because they all live in old houses and that’s what they have.

A serene blue wall finish, inspired by the city of Bruges, from the Domingue Architectural Finishes palette.
Photo by Kennon Evett

Do you think this kind of style is how you base your searching, or are you open to other design styles?

I’m very open. We work with so many designers all over the country and so many people have their own style. It’s just so fun to watch how somebody will use our 17th-century flooring and old stonewalls in a very contemporary setting.

What would you like people to take away when they see you and your brand? What makes you stand out?

That one’s easy for me: it’s quality. Whenever we say something is what it is, if it’s reclaimed or it’s 17th century, it is. It’s really about authenticity and quality, and I think that’s what people take away when they come here. We’re an 18,000-square-foot showroom on 3 acres, and when people come to visit us, that’s one of the things we always hear: “I’m really blown away by the quality.”

Where would you like to see yourself and Chateau Domingue in 5 years?

Continuing to grow the business, and eventually my dream is to open another showroom somewhere else.

The Chateau Domingue showroom in Houston, Texas is appointed with antique, reclaimed architectural elements and features a consistently rotating inventory of decorative antiques acquired in Europe.
Photo courtesy Chateau Dominigue

Eddy Dankers & Ruth: Together Naturally

Gay recently partnered with artisan Eddy Dankers to open Domingue Architectural Finishes, a line of antique finishes within Chateau Domingue’s umbrella of other name brands.

How did you start in this art and in the business with Ruth Gay — what inspired you to begin working with her?

I could tell from the wonderful pieces Ruth imports for Chateau Domingue that she had an appreciation for natural materials and that her taste was very sympathetic to mine. We both care about things that are authentic and discretely luxurious, that capture quality and beauty in equal measure.

What about European design and art is so intriguing to you?

My passion is more for the materials than for a particular style. There is so much history behind what we do. These are materials that have been used in Europe for centuries and have never gone out of fashion for restoration projects. But what makes them exciting is how well suited they are for contemporary buildings and interiors. The finishes are so flexible; you can achieve any look, so they suit any style.

Can you go into more detail about Domingue Architectural Finishes and what the company offers?

We offer lime wash, mineral paint and a range of lime plasters. All of the materials are natural and together represent a collection of architectural finishes that are beautiful, flexible and unprecedented in the U.S. market. We will soon be introducing a line of interior and exterior paint from Belgium that is ideal for trim, windows and doors and other wood elements. It is a remarkable paint: easy to apply with a beautiful and durable matte finish.

What advice would you give to someone going into art, the antique business or even working on designing the interior of their home?

What we do is a mirror of our eyes so you always want to be curious and observant, traveling and connecting with people. It’s important to make no assumptions, to be naïve in a way, to just be honest and open.

Upon entering the Chateau Domingue showroom, one can expect to be greeted by a beautifully curated vignette.
Photo courtesy Chateau Domingue

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Canadian Real Estate Returns to the International Spotlight

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Despite recent financial and economic adversity, Canada has become a real estate hot spot that entices both national and international buyers.

By Kristen Ordonez

This villa-inspired residence in Toronto’s Hoggs Hollow sold for $5.525 million. It offers ravine views and multiple walk-outs to an expansive slate terrace and pristine landscaped gardens.
Photo courtesy Barry Cohen

Buyers are continuing to invest in luxury Canadian real estate and making competition fierce, according to Broker Barry Cohen for RE/MAX Realtron in the Greater Toronto Area. Cohen, as well as other agents within Canada, affirm that the success of these markets are mainly due in part to foreign investors, particularly from mainland China.

“They are singularly focused on the quality of life,” Cohen states, focusing on family safety, top-rated schools and real estate opportunities focused on asset growth. Due to this heightened interest, development and rebuilding projects have changed as well. In-fill housing has become more prominent within Toronto and nearby areas in efforts to appeal to Chinese investors, to “satisfy their need for ‘the new’ and then build to the maximum amount they can,” Cohen says.

Sam McDadi, agent and sales representative for Sam McDadi Real Estate Inc., also finds that people are looking for real estate within the Greater Toronto Area more frequently after changes within the economy. “Our Canadian dollar has been devaluated in recent years, making our real estate even more attractive to foreign buyers,” said McDadi. Regardless of this, McDadi believes that there is a healthy equilibrium of supply and demand of luxury homes. “It’s a balanced market and there is enough inventory to satisfy luxury clienteles,” he says.

In general, these agents agree that the amenities are really what attract people to Canada. In Alberta, Mark Evernden, president of sales for Engel & Völkers Alberta, notes that the Rocky Mountain views and skiing tend to bring people to Calgary. He notes the resort town of Banff specifically, a global international destination that is known for hiking, camping and world-class ski resorts.

In Mississauga and Oakville, McDadi highlights a variety of community and cultural comforts that are present and entice potential buyers. Both cities offer world-class restaurants, vibrant art communities and living arts centers, and Lake Ontario. “Living in south Mississauga or Oakville allows homeowners the privilege of being in close proximity to Toronto, one of the cleanest and safest world-class cities in the world,” says McDadi.

Left: Offering a finished basement and a dream kitchen with a built-in wine cooler, this Oakville home sold for $2.39 million. Right: This dramatic $5.888 million home in Oakville recently sold, featuring 10,700 square feet, a Scarlett O’Hara-style staircase and a dining room with a 20-foot domed ceiling. Photos courtesy Sam McDadi

Earlier this year, the Ontario government implemented a 15-percent foreign buyer’s tax to “cool down” an inflated housing market in the Greater Toronto Area. This tax is similar to a 15-percent tax that was applied to the British Columbia housing market, mainly in the Metro Vancouver Area. Both measures were made in an effort to bring down housing prices for all. Prices and sales did drop slightly toward the end of 2016 and the second quarter of 2017, but eventually rose back up at a steadier pace, reflecting stable, healthy markets across the country.

According to The Royal LePage National House Price Composite, the price of a home in Canada increased 13.3 percent year over year in this third quarter. Along with this, the median prices of different housing options, from two-story homes to bungalows to condominiums, have grown between 9.5 to 15.2 percent.

In Alberta, Evernden opened his branch two and a half years ago to appeal to the luxury market. He notes that although resources have been depleting within the oil industry, the luxury division has rebounded and commercial leasing in the downtown market is running upwards. “We are in a stable position, and anticipation of [total] recovery won’t be for another year,” Evernden says.

In Mississauga and Oakville, the entry price point for a home is about $3 million, according to McDadi, and typically features about 4,500 square feet of living space. In the York Mills area of Toronto, Cohen notes that the average luxury home is priced between $7 million to $10 million with about 6,000 to 7,000 square feet. Within the Calgary market, a new home has a $1.5 million to $1.8 million average price point. Homes at the top of the spectrum offer even more, from the $25 million listing in Alberta with 2 private lakes to the $35 million listing from Barry Cohen with 30,000 square feet and a tennis court on the river’s edge.

This property was featured in our Global 2017 issue. 

Click here for the full digital version.

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On Location: Hualalai on Ka‘upulehu, The Big Island of Hawaii

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Hualalai’s individual communities each possess unique character and ambiance, all offering spectacular vistas and cooling tradewinds.

By Camilla McLaughlin

All photos courtesy Hualalai

An old Hawaiian saying is, “You don’t choose the island, the island chooses you.” After a recent visit to Hualalai on the island of Hawaii, I left completely smitten by the magic of the place, and in my wildest dreams I tend to think maybe I am one of the chosen.

It doesn’t take long to fall under the spell. Arrive at Hualalai and you’re greeted with a mai tai and a lei. Check-in takes place in a comfortable open-air space with the ocean shimmering under the moonlight in the distance. In a region awash with five-star properties, Hualalai is a standout, and what makes it so exceptional is passion — passion for the property paired with a reverence for the land and the Hawaiian culture that is shared by everyone who works there. It permeates every aspect of the resort from architecture to food to the Alaka‘ i Nalu, explorers of the waves. Very few places are able to orchestrate such a fine balance between authenticity, a connection to the land and a superlative guest experience.

During a recent visit, anticipation of an annual food and wine celebration with visiting celebrity chefs, was full on. An herb garden was being readied for a pop-up cooking academy. Chefs worked with David Choi, director of natural resources, to gather salt from a nearby stretch of beach. Also at the ready was a stock of oysters grown onsite in a lake fed by a subterranean aquifer and drawn through lava wells, only one of a couple sites verified by the state for this cultivation. These oysters are only available to residents and guests at the resort.

In addition to a Four Season’s resort, Hualalai includes residences ranging from villas to custom homes. Outdoor shower gardens, walls that disappear to open homes to the tradewinds, and designs that uniquely align with today’s lifestyle preferences are hallmarks, as are views of distant mountains and Maui. Almost everywhere, the ocean forms a backdrop thanks to changing elevations. Owners have extensive private amenities, including a clubhouse and restaurants. One of the resort’s two golf courses is private. Also reserved for residents is a beachfront restaurant, a prime place for dinner and sunset cocktails. Chefs at all the restaurants are masters at coaxing the best from the local bounty.   

Rather than buildings, the most prominent feature here is the landscape — miles of coastline and lava rocks, an iconic signature of the island. The grounds are extensive with pathways that meander past low-slung bungalows embraced by a jungle landscape. Locals like to say the resort sits lightly on the land, and that’s only possible when development is guided by a commitment to stewardship.

This property was featured in our Global 2017 issue. 

Click here for the full digital version.

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Going Green 101

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Creating the greenest of green homes is an art form.

By Sarah Binder

Certified LEED Platinum, the Edge House was awarded “2009 Green Home of the Year” by the Colorado Home Builder’s Association.

Colorado is well-known for being a leader in green residential building in America. In Boulder, the professional building community (engineers, architects, builders, et cetera) passionately adheres to one of the most progressive and strict energy building codes in the country. Here, the bar for sustainability in luxury homes is reached, and raised, regularly — without compromising on beauty and livability.

Architect Scott Rodwin, founding principal of Rodwin Architecture and president of Skycastle Construction, is an ambassador for this art form, educating everyone from his clients seeking the green homes of their dreams, to architects, builders, and Realtors across the country.

While environmental issues such as global climate change can be polarizing, Rodwin has found throughout his 25-plus-year career that nearly all clients care about creating a healthy living environment at home for their families.

“Nobody wants a toxic living environment, and nobody wants to pay more energy bills than they have to,” he says. “We talk to our clients to learn what level of energy performance they desire in their home, and then we thoughtfully and carefully design it.”

Almost any architect or builder can construct a home that uses 50 percent of the allowable amount of energy by code, Rodwin notes. But, creating a luxury home that is highly energy efficient or zero-energy, meaning on an annual basis that it produces as much energy as it consumes, requires a deeply experienced and knowledgeable team. He recommends utilizing a design/build team wherein the project is managed and executed by a single entity. 

Scott Rodwin, LEED AP, is founding principal of Rodwin Architecture in Boulder, Colorado. In 2006, he was named American Institute of Architects’ “Young Architect of the Year” for the U.S. Western Mountain Region.

The design/build process is fully integrated, has a single point of responsibility for any issues that may arise during a project, and leads to high-quality, detailed work that results in increased client satisfaction. “When you’re looking to create a net-zero building, the performance level that you are aiming for is so high that you have to have complete cohesiveness among everyone involved,” Rodwin says.

His favorite residential design/build project is net-zero energy, and also was his firm’s most challenging undertaking to date, taking four times as many hours of design to complete than an average project. An entrepreneur and CEO moving to Boulder from Germany challenged Rodwin to build the greenest home in America. Built in 2007, the 6,200-square-foot, $3.5 million Edge House is certified LEED Platinum.

“[The client] asked us to pioneer a number of technologies, including the first legally permitted grey water system in Colorado. He designed a brand-new grey water system for this house, which he got patented,” Rodwin explains.

Green building has progressed significantly since 1999, when Rodwin launched his firm. Today, to obtain a building permit in the United States, the plans must be farily energy efficient.  The energy section of the International Residential Code has advanced farther and more rapidly than any other section of the code in the past two decades, he notes. Each municipality then adopts and can modify that baseline code.

“In order to get a building permit in Boulder, if you are building a 5,000-square-foot house, the home is required to be net-zero energy,” says Rodwin. “You have to do everything right — renewable energy on the roof, exceptionally high-quality construction, and passive solar.”

Nestled into a forested hillside glade, the Dineen Residence combines old world materials with clean contemporary lines.

The only sustainable technology that is completely free, passive solar design is the “starting point” to achieving a net-zero house. It involves strategically designing a home’s orientation, windows, walls, and more, so that the home distributes solar energy in the form of heat in the winter and rejects solar heat in the summer.

While his firm’s specialty is creating brand-new, high-end custom homes, Rodwin suggests a few strategies owners of existing homes can implement to improve the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of their properties. Weatherization (caulking and sealing) can cost just a few thousand dollars, yet will pay for itself over a few years. After weatherizing, owners should consider adding new insulation and upgrading their windows, especially single-pane or metal windows, which are significant weak spots.

A number of upgrades, such as adding solar panels, generate value through rebates or the opportunity to sell excess energy back to one’s utility company, in addition to increasing the value of the home.

“Upgrade your mechanical system,” Rodwin recommends. “Old, open combustion mechanical systems are only about 70 percent efficient. They also lead uncombusted gases into the house. Most states and utility companies offer energy-efficiency rebates to their customers, and you can usually get a subsidized system.”

Whether going green from the ground up or through updates, homeowners do not need to compromise on beauty, quality, size, views, or any other aspect in order to achieve a highly sustainable home, Rodwin notes. “Green building pays back over time and creates a more valuable house. You’re getting a better building. You’re getting a Tesla.”

In Boulder, where everyone “speaks fluent green building,” says Rodwin, the mission is to continue pushing the envelope. His team already has a high level of knowledge of what the next level of green building entails, including larger and more solar arrays, triple-paned windows, and full-foam insulation packages.

“Our goal is no longer net-zero energy. Our new goal is regenerative design, wherein you produce more energy over the course of a year than you consume. Regenerative housing is Olympic-level green building — only a handful of these homes exist in the whole country.”

Photos courtesy Rodwin Architecture + Skycastle Construction

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Unique Homes Cover Showcase: Architecture as Art

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A fantastic location demands visionary architecture. Few properties illustrate this concept better than the residence featured on our Unique Homes Global 2017 cover.

By Camilla McLaughlin

After searching for an ideal mountain setting in prime resort locations in western states, the owner settled on a mountaintop in Promontory, which offers some of the best views in Park City, Utah. An added incentive came from Promontory’s extensive amenities and services, including two 18-hole golf courses as well as the privacy afforded by the setting. To ensure that this level of privacy would not be disturbed, an additional 35 acres of ranchland near the site were added to the property. “You never need to put the shades down except to block the sun,” shares Alan Long, president of Rising Star Realtors in Park City, who is listing this estate.

Such a singular site also calls for equally significant architecture, and designer Walter Cunningham, who is noted for a cutting-edge aesthetic, was brought onboard. The end result is a dramatic geometric composition that unfolds organically along the mountaintop setting. The intricate design has 30 to 35 different elevations that interrelate, something Cunningham has deftly executed. But what transforms this residence from architectural masterpiece into a work of art are the materials. Serpentine Verde Stone from a quarry in Italy was used extensively throughout, appearing in three different finishes — rough on the walls, brushed on the floors and polished for the countertops. Long says the stone was prized by the Romans, who believed it had healing powers. The use of the same material throughout also creates a subtle continuity.

Expanses of glass under the roof create an interior panorama of sunlight and moonlight. “Every time I walk through the house, I notice something different and that doesn’t happen with other houses. It is more a piece of art than it is a structure,” says Long. Another important facet is proportion, which makes this home eminently livable. The home is listed for $19.5 million.

This property was featured in our Global 2017 issue. 

Click here for the full digital version.

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