Energy Retrofits in Historic Homes. Stephanie Horowitz was enlisted by Boston Globe staff to tour a historic Somerville home and share her thoughts about how to improve its energy efficiency towards net-zero performance. Stephanie joined air-sealing specialist Jason Taylor of Byggmeister Associates and contractor Mark Philben of Charlie Allen Renovations on the tour. The group provided recommendations on the attic and basement insulation, use of a blower door test for checking air leaks, proper interior and exterior wall insulation, custom-built storm windows, and more. The piece provides convenient cost information for each topic, giving the reader a sense of what a retrofit to an old home might set them back. The question remains - if net-zero is your goal, is retrofitting an old home the most reasonable path?
CUSTOM BUILDER MAGAZINE FEATURES HINGHAM MARSHFRONT
ZED’s custom home in Hingham, MA was featured in the Spring 2022 issue of Custom Builder Magazine, in an article titled ‘Net Zero and Beyond.’ The piece talks about what it takes to design a home to net zero - or net positive - energy performance - which isn’t achieved with just a few solar panels. Design, siting, and building enclosure are all part of the equation, in addition to “listening to clients and interpreting their program to look for ways to incorporate flexible spaces serving multiple purposes and/or transforming over time,” says Stephanie Horowitz, who was interviewed for the piece.
When talking about net zero homes, great design often gets lost in the conversation. Horowitz emphasizes this important first step, which is then followed by (2) super-insulated building enclosure, (3) high efficiency systems, and (4) renewable energy, prioritized in that order and all working together as a system.
Hingham Marshfront. The 4,200 square foot home takes advantage of its natural surroundings with multiple decks overlooking the salt marsh and a vegetable garden, all part of the owners desire to connect to the outdoors. Other features include a private guest studio, large mudroom and art space and open living areas that create maximum functionality for the owners and their soon-to-be young adult children.
MORE: CUSTOM BUILDER ARTICLE
Forbes PROFILES Zero Energy Architecture LEADER
Noted author and expert on small/prefabricated houses, Sheri Koones, profiled ZED and interviewed Managing Director, Stephanie Horowitz, for Forbes.
Horowitz described how the firm’s commitment to making energy efficiency, health, and comfort baseline attributes for all projects, allows it to instead use the design time to create spaces that are beautiful, functional, and durable.
She also discussed ZED’s Lincoln Farmhouse and Dartmouth Oceanfront projects, while sharing that changes in the building codes were necessary to bring energy-efficient homes into the mainstream.
Full article is linked below.
Architectural Digest Reviews the Architecture Industry's Response to Climate Change
Architectural Digest took a close look at the impact of the building and construction sector on climate change and what the architecture industry is doing to make a difference.
The article contains insights from leading industry experts, including AIA President Jane Frederick, Bjarke Ingels of BIG, and ZED Managing Director, Stephanie Horowitz.
In her interview for the article, Horowitz highlighted the importance of thinking ahead and designing and building today’s homes and buildings in alignment with the upcoming benchmarks for climate change. She also pointed out that it was not only new construction that needed to be addressed. “The new homes that we design and build are the low-hanging fruit. The challenge is the existing housing,” Horowitz said.
According to the AIA, 82% of the commercial buildings in the U.S. were built before 2000 - before the modernization of building energy codes for design and construction.
Full article is linked below.
MORE: ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST
ZED's Stephanie Horowitz discusses resiliency with Houzz
Top home building and design magazine, Houzz’s latest story in its Trend Report series is an in-depth analysis of the importance of resiliency and creating homes that last. As a leading expert in modern, sustainable home design, ZED Managing Director, Stephanie Horowitz, was interviewed for the article.
In her interview, Horowitz discussed the importance of location and suggested that all professionals should start with these three questions before committing to any particular approach - “What is the climate projection for the region you are in? What stresses does this create for your building? What is the project doing about it?”
Horowitz also spoke about resiliency strategies to address flooding and cold weather and the relationship between energy efficiency and resiliency -pointing out that the ‘best way to handle a natural disaster is to build for it’.
Full article is linked below.
ZED's Dartmouth Oceanfront in Green Building & Design Magazine
The architecture and construction focused “Green Building & Design” magazine (gb&d), just published a feature story on ZED’s Dartmouth Oceanfront project. The in-depth article highlights the home’s innovative modern design that embraces the challenging coastal site while also incorporating privacy, comfort, accessibility, and sustainability.
In an interview with gb&d, ZED’s Managing Director, Stephanie Horowitz, talked about many design decisions, such as the inclusion of an art wall to showcase the homeowners’ extensive art collection, the addition of an elevator to accommodate aging in place, or the use of exterior shades to both accent the design and manage heat gain.
Full article is linked below.
ZED's Lexington Modern Residence in Houzz Tours
We are thrilled to have the Lexington Modern Residence designed by ZED featured in Houzz Tours this month. Similar to other ZED homes, the Lexington Modern is highly energy efficient and uses only 19% of the energy compared to a code-built house of the same size. The home’s rectilinear forms, large windows, and thoughtful connection to the surrounding landscape draw inspiration from mid-century modern architecture while the shiplapped wood cladding is a nod to the traditional design style of the area.
In the interview with Houzz, ZED’s Stephanie Horowitz describes the design decisions that went into creating this beautiful home, including the careful siting that creates privacy while also ensures strong connections with the outdoors, the stepped-down living room with high ceilings, and the Passive House-certified skylight that offers significant natural light in the basement. Read the detailed interview in the full article linked below.
ZED's Stephanie Horowitz to Speak at Wellesley Green Collaborative Meeting
We are proud to announce that ZED Managing Director Stephanie Horowitz has been invited to speak on Sustainable Buildings at the next Wellesley Green Collaborative Meeting.
The meeting’s prime focus will be on state-of-the-art sustainable/net zero energy construction and its application to commercial, residential, and municipal construction. Other speakers include William Maclay (Maclay Architects), Fred Bunger (Vice Chair Wellesley, Sustainable Energy Committee), and Marybeth Martello (Sustainable Energy Administrator).
WHEN: Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 9 - 11.15 am
WHERE: Wakelin Room of the Wellesley Free Library, Washington Street
The Wellesley Green Collaborative is a quarterly gathering of environmentally-minded organizations and offers opportunities to speak with other professionals experienced in energy conservation, share initiatives, and brainstorm ideas.
ZED Discusses Indoor Air Quality with Green Building Advisor
At ZeroEnergy Design, healthy indoor air quality is sacrosanct to all the firm’s projects.
In an interview with Green Building Advisor editor, Brian Pontolilo, for a new in-depth article on indoor air quality and the potential dangers of VOCs in homes, ZED’s Stephanie Horowitz clarified “This is something we pay close attention to on every project. We write it into our specification, we educate our clients about the importance of it, we make it a top priority.”
Stephanie also discussed how ZED specs select no-VOC paints and floor finishes for the firm’s projects.
Click on the link below to read the full article.
MORE: GREEN BUILDING ADVISOR
ZED Tapped as Expert on Minimizing Construction Waste
Careful planning during the design phase can help divert construction waste from the landfills as well as save money, and it all begins with sizing the home properly.
“Right-size rather than over-size - this is the most influential way to reduce construction materials,” said ZED’s Stephanie Horowitz in Houzz’s latest article.
Stephanie shares several additional tips to improve sustainability and minimize construction waste. Clink on the below link to read the full article.
MORE: HOUZZ
FORBES INTERVIEWED ZED's Stephanie Horowitz
Forbes magazine writer Regina Cole crafts an article about New England high-end homeowner’s interest beyond style and beauty - a growing interest in energy.
The article offers design insights from prominent New England architects, including Stephanie Horowitz, Managing Director at ZeroEnergy Design who shares, “Our clients are well schooled in matters of energy conservation; they come to us with a high level of knowledge.”
Stephanie notes that eco-conscious clients interested in gardening often look for basement root cellars to augment upstairs food storage as part of their general goal towards resiliency and self-sufficiency - ZED’s Farmstead Passive House in Vermont is a good example. She also mentions that Passive House, which advocates rigorous standards for energy efficiency in buildings, is particularly suitable for New England’s cold weather conditions.
The full article is linked below.
MORE: FORBES
Dartmouth Oceanfront House Featured in Ocean Home Magazine
The June-July edition of Ocean Home magazine includes a detailed feature on ZeroEnergy Design’s gorgeous, green, and energy-efficient Dartmouth oceanfront home. The article includes the homeowners perspective as well as that of ZED’s Stephanie Horowitz and other professionals involved in the design and construction of the two-story, modern home in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
The empty nest couple wanted a contemporary home that took advantage of the location, accommodated entertaining, allowed them to age in place, and had a low carbon footprint. “ZeroEnergy Design was the obvious choice for us….. they get it in so many ways”, said the homeowners.
During her interview with Ocean Home, architect Stephanie Horowitz clarified “Pairing design and performance is what we do. Great design is green design.”
Read the complete article online:
MORE: OCEAN HOME ARTICLE (Flipbook version)
MORE: OCEAN HOME ARTICLE (Flash version)
Architect Stephanie Horowitz to Present Net Positive Project at BSA COTE Event
Stephanie Horowitz AIA, Managing Director at ZeroEnergy Design, will present a net positive LEED Platinum certified project case study at a BSA COTE event on Wednesday June 19, 2019.
WHERE: Boston Society of Architects
BSA Space, 290 Congress Street, Boston, MA
WHEN: June 19, 2019, 6pm - 8pm
COST: Free & Open to the Public
Stephanie recently completed a term on the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee of the Environment (COTE) Advisory Group. COTE serves nationwide as the community and voice of AIA architects on sustainable design and aims to advance, disseminate, and advocate design practices that integrate built and natural systems and enhance both the design quality and environmental performance of the built environment.
Mark Doughty, President of Thoughtforms Corporation, was the contractor and collaborated on the project. Mark will co-present the case study to the COTE audience.
Two LU/HSW AIA credits are available.
Smart bathrooms for a luxurious, low-maintenance lifestyle
Cheviot Products, a leading supplier of luxury bathroom products, recently published an article on smart bathroom design trends for an efficient, low-maintenance lifestyle. The in-depth feature includes design tips from industry experts, including ZeroEnergy Design’s, Stephanie Horowitz.
READ: CHEVIOT ARTICLE
ZED's Stephanie Horowitz to Speak on Luxury Home Design Summit Panel in May
New England Home Magazine is co-producing the Luxury Home Design Summit at the Chatham Bars Inn Resort and Spa in Chatham, MA, from May 19-21, 2019.
The conference will offer high-level business content and networking for leaders of the luxury home design and construction industry in New England.
Architects, interior designers, landscape architects and designers, builders, contractors, showroom owners, and suppliers in the luxury home niche will have the opportunity to develop a stronger understanding of their market and community through face-to-face access to leading experts on innovation, affluent consumers, effective leadership, and maximizing performance.
ZED Managing Director Stephanie Horowitz will participate in the New England Powerhouse Panel discussion on May 21.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 21, 2019, 2:30-3:15 PM
WHERE: CHATHAM BARS INN RESORT AND SPA, CHATHAM, MA
The panelists include prominent design professionals in the talent-rich New England landscape who have risen to the top relying on their talents while successfully navigating key inflection points in their businesses. Kyle Hoepner, Editor-in-Chief of New England Home, will lead the panelists through the discussion as they share behind-the-scenes moments that contributed to their success.
We hope to see you there!
Don't assume new buildings are energy efficient!
WGBH investigative reporter interviews Stephanie Horowitz of ZeroEnergy Design and others about energy efficiency, energy code as tool for improvement, and recently constructed Boston buildings.
Architectural Digest: Designers vs. Climate Change
Architectural Digest magazine interviews Stephanie Horowitz of ZeroEnergy Design and other design professionals about philosophies to address climate change and sustainability:
Now Practice Now
Turf—Where do we work? How do we work?
Today's urban challenges are reshaping the scale, specialization and composition of design practice. Overlapping boundaries and transdisciplinary thinking is needed to address the contemporary urban condition. Where—and how—do firms, teams and individuals practice design today? Why is this important to the future of practice?
June 14 | 6-8PM | BSA Space, 290 Congress Street, Suite 200, Boston
Framing the topic
Christine Dunn AIA
principal, Sasaki
David Gamble AIA
principal, Gamble Associates
Roundtable
Mark Doughty
general manager, Thoughtforms
Shauna Gillies-Smith ASLA
founding principal, GROUND
Stephanie Horowitz AIA
managing director, ZeroEnergy Design
Daniel St. Clair
managing director, Spaulding & Slye Investments
Carole Wedge FAIA
president, Shepley Bulfinch
Town hall discussion
All are invited to participate.
About the Now Practice Now Series
Equity. Inclusion. Design. Technology. Environment. Resources. Innovation.
Architecture practice now faces significant challenges. Changes in technology, production, and collaboration are altering traditional modes of working. The Now Practice Now workshops explore the means and methods of transforming practice. The series is for those who now practice.
Jay Wickersham FAIA, 2018 BSA president, and the Now Practice Now committee invite you to join us for three candid discussions. Together we'll create a framework for the Now Practice Now Summit in Fall 2018.
Have your say: @BSAAIA #NOWPRACTICE.
BOSTON DESIGN WEEK EVENT
TITLE | Through Rain, and Sleet, and Snow and Sun - Designing and Building for the New England Climate
DATE | Wednesday, April 4 at 5:30pm
SUMMARY | So you're ready to build or renovate.
What new products, technology, innovative ideas and design trends will sustain your home for years to come? And, once your dream home is finished, what can you do to protect your investment from the ever-changing, harsh New England weather? From choosing the right materials for inside and outside your home, to planning landscaping that can combat the elements, to learning tips and tricks for proper care and maintenance of everything from the roof to the basement and everything in-between - learn from the experts on how to be build and maintain your investment for the long run.
MODERATOR | Kevin O'Connor, Host of This Old House
PANELISTS
- Stephanie Horowitz | ZeroEnergy Design
- D. Michael Collins | D. Michael Collins Architects
- Kenneth Vona | Kenneth Vona Construction
- Stephanie O'Brien | CUMAR Marble and Granite
- Greg Lombardi | Gregory Lombardi Design
ATTEND: REGISTER
2017 HOUSES Award Winners Video
Fine Homebuilding just released a summary video of the 6 award winning projects profiled in the 2017 HOUSES issue. Click below to view!
