New book profiles energy-independent homes across the country
Sheri Koones, an award-winning author from Greenwich, released this month her latest book “Prefabulous + Almost Off the Grid: Your Path to Building an Energy-Independent Home,” published by Abrams. In the book, Koones profiles more than 30 of the most energy-efficient homes in the United States. The book is described as a “user-friendly guide” revealing...
‘Meet the Professionals’ home improvement speed dating at The Discovery Museum
Anyone looking to make home improvements dreams of finding just the right architect, contractor or designer to bring their ideas to life. But how to make the right match? It’s almost as hard as dating. First impressions matter; most people know right away if they want to work with someone or not. Now get that...
‘Dine with Design’ in its second year at Glass House
The Philip Johnson Glass House, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has announced the second annual Dine with Design, Saturday, June 9, at the famed house in New Canaan. There are two offerings this year. From noon to 3, the Modern Picnic provides an opportunity to sample dishes prepared by six award-winning...
Exploring how antique homes are saved
An exhibit now running at the Wilton Historical Society details how antique homes have been preserved, protected and restored over the years. In the exhibit, Building A Future from the Past, which opened in March and runs through October, the Wilton Historical Society at 224 Danbury Road and a team of 11 architecture firms from...
Ridgefield builders team up with work and kids
Ridgefield builders Roger Provey and Simon White have a lot in common. Not only do they share a similar vision of building high quality, energy efficient homes, the two single dads also swap child care, play dates, and attendance at their children’s many sports and other activities. Mr. Provey founded Designs by Artisans in 1978...
The vision of three equals one award-winning home
Architect Amanda Martocchio has been winning awards, one after the other recently, for her skillful merging of beautiful, livable homes with the most efficient, energy-saving construction. Her style is classic contemporary — clean lines, nature-sensitive design and interiors that are made-to-order for each client — whether it be for growing families or for a serene...
Green Energy Systems
According to builder Stewart Lade, the majority of houses built before 1990 in Fairfield County have energy and moisture problems: mold, leaky roof, inefficient heating systems, water in the basement, inadequate insulation, rotting trim, loose siding, chimney air leakage. The older the home, the more problems. These houses are not tear-downs, they are being lived...
Art Appreciation
Late last fall, a roofing contractor slipped a pre-printed postcard in our mailbox. “Hi,” the card read. “I was driving by your house recently and couldn’t help but notice that your roof is really starting to show its age,” or something to that effect. Naturally, the contractor would be happy to come out and give...
The Woodruff House
It’s hard to believe that the Woodruff home in Rye, N.Y., is located where once a small 1970s ranch stood. Perhaps for half an hour, Lee and Bob Woodruff considered the possibility of a renovation, but the house was sinking into the ground.
