Transforming a Home into a Modern, Net-Zero Energy Haven

The Problem

Transforming a Failing Exterior and Unutilized Spaces into Functional, Modern Living Areas

This home had several areas that were not meeting the couple’s needs, beginning with a failing exterior. As the siding deteriorated, they realized it was time for a significant update. Their goal was to refresh the exterior and make it more durable while also addressing long-neglected interior spaces. 

The family also wanted to transform their unfinished basement into a comfortable, functional area for gatherings and remote work. They also needed to modernize their laundry room and other key areas to bring the house up to date.

• Project #1: Replace the failing exterior siding and trim and install a new front door to give the home a fresh and inviting look.
• Project #2: Remodel the basement to create a new living space. This included a bathroom renovation, a feature wall for art, open stairs, and unique design elements like the slat wall/screen detail, an open ceiling, polished concrete floors, and intentional accent lighting.
• Project #3: Update the laundry room with new floor tiles, semi-custom cabinets, dedicated storage solutions, and updated finishes. Refinish wood floors on the main level and in the powder room and make other aesthetic upgrades throughout the home.

Meadowlark Design+Build focused on creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing home for this empty-nester couple while also making it eco-friendly and net-zero. Understanding the couple's commitment to sustainability, Meadowlark integrated energy-efficient design elements and materials to ensure the home produced as much energy as it used.

In addition to the energy upgrades, Meadowlark worked closely with the homeowners to revitalize and modernize the home’s appearance, moving them out of the dated 80s/90s style and into a more contemporary, cohesive design. 

The solution also focused on enhancing functionality and improving the flow between spaces, ensuring that the home would be more suitable for entertaining and gathering with family and friends. By creating an open, inviting layout and incorporating thoughtful design elements, Meadowlark transformed the home into a space that not only looked beautiful but also met the homeowners’ needs for practicality and social connection.

One of the significant challenges during the renovation process was refinishing the wood floors on the main level. While the results were stunning and greatly enhanced the home’s overall aesthetic, the family had to move out of their entire first floor temporarily. 

This disruption was understandably inconvenient, but the homeowners appreciated that the Meadowlark team meticulously planned the process to minimize downtime and ensured that the outcome was worth the effort.

Another challenge was the homeowners' desire to open up the lower level and connect it seamlessly with the main level. This required significant structural adjustments, including removing the basement door and reworking the staircase and balustrade to create a more open, cohesive flow between the two levels. 

Meadowlark Design+Build rose to the challenge by carefully designing and executing these changes, ensuring that the new layout was functional and visually appealing. The attention to detail and innovative approach created a harmonious connection between the spaces, fulfilling the homeowners' vision for a more integrated and inviting home.

With Meadowlark Design+Build’s exceptional design and project management, the home was transformed with a modern exterior, eco-friendly upgrades, an updated main floor and bathrooms, and a functional basement for entertaining. 

• The exterior of the home received a facelift with new siding, trim, and a fresh front door, giving it renewed curb appeal and significantly improving its durability and energy efficiency.
• The main floor and bathroom updates transformed these spaces from outdated 80s/90s designs into modern ones with new fixtures and finishes that reflect the homeowners' contemporary style.
• The laundry room went from a cramped space with no sink and no room to fold, to a functional, organized space with dedicated storage solutions. 
• The basement was transformed into a fully functional space where the family can now entertain, watch football games, host gatherings, and work remotely. 
• The open and connected design, achieved by removing the basement door and reworking the structure, enhanced the flow between the upper and lower levels, making the home feel complete.
• The eco-friendly upgrades, including switching out old appliances for electric ones, installing an electric car charger, adding solar panels, and integrating solar panel battery storage, transformed the home into a net-zero energy space, perfectly aligning with the homeowners' commitment to sustainability.

Throughout the projects, the homeowners were consistently impressed by Meadowlark’s commitment to excellence. Jake, the Project Supervisor, ensured the home was kept orderly, while Erin, the Project Manager, maintained open and frequent communication, coordinating seamlessly with outside vendors. 

The thoughtful inclusion of additional features, such as the new lighting in the basement, a washtub, and updated plumbing and tile work in the bathroom, further enhanced the home's functionality and comfort. The result is a beautiful, modern, and eco-friendly home that perfectly meets the needs of the homeowners and their families.