Sustainability – LUXUS Design Build

Avant-Gardner

Sarah Thornton 09.07.2019 Construction, Design, News, Remodel, Sustainability 0

Michael Gardner creates a masterpiece of technology, design and home performance at The New American Remodel.

BY Jessi C. Acuna

Local architect Michael Gardner is no stranger to showcasing innovation and design in his projects. The sought-after designer has left his mark in Las Vegas’ most prestigious neighborhoods – Spanish Trail, The Ridges, Ascaya. So it’s no surprise he was tasked as the visionary behind The New American Remodel, the official show home of National Association of Home Builders’ annual gathering. Located in a historic neighborhood on Pinto Lane, this is the first in Gardner’s portfolio for his new all-in-one design-build service firm, Luxus Design Build.

You Previously did homes in 2013 and 2016. What are some of the most innovative elements of the 2019 home? Form a technology standpoint, the full integration of the home with the Crestron system, you’re able to control everything. The home security, all of the lighting, your fire features, your television, all your mechanical systems are all integrated through an app. You’re able to control the house from within the home, out in the orchard or 10,000 miles away.

What about the sustainability standards? As far as the technology that most people didn’t see, we call it a building science design approach. We built these wall assemblies and roof assemblies to mitigate any heat gain or mitigate as much heat gain to the home as possible. We created this nice tight thermal envelope, really reducing the thermal bridging.

Which feature would you like to see in other Las Vegas Homes as we continue to grow? The biggest thing, which is the most different than a lot of the other homes, is this gas heat pump HVAC system. The efficiency to cost benefit is one of the best investments clients can make, especially when you pair it with solar because you can really then start to offset a lot more of your costs.

What are the trends to look out for? The sizes of homes are starting to dwindle, especially on the higher end. The days of 20,000-30,000-square-foot houses are becoming much more of an anomaly. People are spending a lot more money on higher-quality materials and getting more sophisticated with the palette of the materials – creating the use and contrast of smooth and textural environments so it’s this transition.

Original published in Modern Luxury Vegas Magazine. To read more of the issue go to vegasmagazine.com.

New American Remodel built for energy efficiency

Sarah Thornton 17.05.2019 Architecture, Construction, Design, Remodel, Sustainability 0

Published in Las Vegas Review Journal By Kristen Peterson Real Estate Millions on May 17, 2019.

In seeking a Las Vegas home to turn into a state-of-the-art, high-end luxury remodel, architect Michael Gardner chose what he referred to as a “poorly built” 1950s, ranch home on a property downtown with well and water rights in an agriculturally designated area.

Having recently completed a LEED-designated home in Spanish Trail, the Las Vegas architect selected for the National Association of Home Builders’ New American Remodel was going all-in on the farm-to-table concept. And with net-zero energy consumption, he was aiming for the National Green Building Standard’s Emerald designation.

“Everybody talks about buildings and being sustainable,” Gardner said while standing inside the dining room of the nearly 6,000-square-foot downtown home with sliding glass walls that look onto a landscaped courtyard and living space. “But I’ve always felt that there’s this loop that we needed to close.”

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a rating system used by the U.S. Green Building Council to measure a building’s efficiency.

Walking through the home’s main kitchen and past the prep kitchen, which includes an urban cultivator for microgreens, Gardner headed into the backyard, with an orchard, gardens, grape vines and a chicken coop. The home’s ample refrigeration and freezers store the harvests and the daily eggs from the chickens.

“We’ve gotten to this very scary place where some children think that a tomato comes from a grocery store, that it doesn’t come from the ground,” said Gardner, principal of Studio G Architecture and Luxus Design Build, who advocates holistic architecture and sustainability. “When we have that detachment, we take a lot of things for granted.”

The 2019 New American Remodel at 2720 Pinto Lane, which debuted at the International Builder’s Show in February and sold for $4.6 million in April, features a West Coast-contemporary design with mid-mod elements: flat rooflines, clerestory windows and textured light stone that continues indoors.

Its exterior of natural materials — textured stone, wood and Kingspan metal — is influenced by other homes in the neighborhood.

Working with participating suppliers and contractors, Gardner gutted the home and removed unsound walls to open up the floor plan. He extended the home deeper into the property so that it and its three-car garage wraps around a strategically shaded landscaped courtyard with its own full kitchen, swimming pool, outdoor living room and natural design elements.

Gardner, who was architect for the 2013 and 2016 New American Homes, said this was his first New American Remodel project and the first home he both designed and built. The project, engineered and designed by his Luxus Design Build, allowed him to create the home as if he were going to live there.

“This is kind of an urban-esque environment with all the properties built in around,” he said. “There’s no opportunity for a view, like in newer developments where everyone plays up the view, so we had to kind of create our own view.”

The central outdoor courtyard is the home’s focal point. Glass walls in the main rooms look out and open up to it. Inside, the spacious, high-ceiling living room, anchored by a large white stone fireplace, recessed ceilings and indirect lighting, complemented by natural colors and varying textures, creates intimacy and warmth. Clean lines, organic materials and textures provide a sense of calm. Porcelain floor tiles, designed to look like concrete, continue throughout the home.

When Gardner opens the sliding-glass walls of the living room, the inside and outside entertainment areas are one. The main kitchen, a gorgeous minimalist area with ample counter space and bar seating, also opens to the teak-tiled courtyard.

A stairway off the dining room leads to a cozy, second-floor sitting room that opens through a bookcase into a spacious master bedroom with a kitchenette, high windows, master bath and large walk-in closet/dressing room. A door opens to an outdoor “catwalk” connecting to the second- floor outdoor kitchen and entertainment area with a high-end pizza oven and framed views of rooftops and trees.

“With remodels, you don’t know what you’re getting into,” said Gardner, who is LEED AP-certified and a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. “We tried to maintain as much as we could.”

When designing the remodel, Gardner studied the outdoor spaces as the sun moved across the sky to determine the best energy efficiency. Overhangs, walls and specialized window sizes are among the many elements designed to keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

In all, the elegant quiet, spacious home, custom-built to blend in with the neighborhood and its rich history, as well as the desert climate, doubles as a zen-like retreat, an escape from the outside world with private indoor-outdoor living.

“The stigma for Vegas homes is often glitzy and poorly designed houses,” Gardner said. “The level of design is getting significantly better. But we still have that shock-and-awe, casino-type design mentality here. It’s important to show that that’s not necessarily always the case.”

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Location: 2720 Pinto Lane

Size: Sits on 2 acres, 6,000 square feet, two stories, five bedrooms, three-car garage.

Features: Energy efficient, solar energy, a home automation system, an indoor elevator, gated entry, center courtyard, two outdoor kitchens, clever recreational vehicle storage, orchard and chicken coop.

History: Michael Gardner of Studio G Architecture designed and built the 2019 New American Home Remodel for the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builder’s Show, which was held in Las Vegas in February. It was sold in April for $4.6 million.

To view the full article click here.

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ASCAYA Introduces Accelerated Design Program

Sarah Thornton 01.05.2019 Architecture, News, Residential Project, Sustainability 0

ASCAYA, the premier gated community in Henderson, Nev. has partnered with award-winning residential design/build firms Blue Heron Design Build, studio g ARCHITECTURE/LUXUS Design Build and Sun West Custom Homes on exciting new desert contemporary custom residences available through an accelerated design program. The elite firms, who have all previously built homes within ASCAYA, worked together with the ASCAYA team to incorporate feedback on the most sought-after features on the luxury market into their designs. The result is an array of opulent single-story and two-story homes with picturesque mountain or city views sure to exceed the expectations of future ASCAYA residents. Simplifying the decision-making process, the program allows buyers to move-in to their brand-new custom home within one year. Prices range from $2.8 million to $4.5 million and are fixed prior to construction.

“These designs allow ASCAYA clients an opportunity to jump start their new home by having thoughtful architecture with all of the interior fixtures and finishes already specified,” said Michael Gardner of studio g ARCHITECTURE/LUXUS Design Build. “Once they select their home, construction can begin quickly. This significantly reduces the time frame to completion and move-in.”

ASCAYA is a popular relocation destination for California residents seeking refuge from their state’s traffic, high cost-of-living and tax structure. These out-of-state-buyers as well as locals alike, are drawn to ASCAYA’s breathtaking views and prime location near deluxe amenities, schools and trails. The accelerated design program was conceived with these families in mind.

“The design process can sometimes be lengthy and many people looking to relocate to Southern Nevada don’t have the time to travel back and forth regularly,” said Darin Marques, ASCAYA sales manager. “In addition, we often find that buyers value an expert opinion when selecting décor that will give their home the right look and feel. Our accelerated homes are perfect for this type of consumer as well.”

Gardner has created several accelerated design options for ASCAYA. The residences range from 4,000 to 6,000 square feet in both single-story and two-story designs with both mountainside and Las Vegas Strip views.

“Our overall concepts are for efficient and functional designs that integrate high levels of design and finishes but retain their livability and comfort,” said Gardner. “Each home we have designed in ASCAYA has a unique and custom layering of spaces that takes advantage of all of the amenities ASCAYA has to offer, along with amazing mountain views in the morning and Las Vegas Strip views in the evening.”

Visionaries at Blue Heron and Sun West created welcoming estates that embody the desert contemporary style for which the upscale mountainside retreat is known.

Blue Heron’s spectacular 6,200 square-foot, two-story estate has five bedrooms, a four-car garage and gorgeous city views beyond the generous pool and outdoor entertaining areas. The home’s kitchen, dining and master bedroom are all located on the first floor, with the additional bedrooms on the second level. The fifth room functions as a flex space allowing for use as a home gym, guest space or home office. “At Blue Heron we want the experience of designing and building a custom home with us to be an exciting and fun experience,” said Tyler Jones, owner/founder of Blue Heron Design Build. “We want to remove the uncertainty and apprehension that can accompany building a custom home and in doing so, are excited to introduce our accelerated design program.” The program will allow clients to get the sought-after Blue Heron Vegas Modern ® design with an expedited design schedule of 90 days to submit for a permit, together with a guaranteed fixed price on the construction of the home.”

Sun West Custom Homes designed a single-story 5,200 square-foot home with five bedrooms and a four-car garage. The fifth room functions as a flex space that can be used as a guestroom, fitness room or office. “I am really excited to be part of ASCAYA’s custom home acceleration program,” said Dan Coletti, owner of Sun West Custom Homes. “It’s going to be great for families to break ground on a new residence more quickly and they won’t have to wait on the design review and permitting as it will be ready to go. This along with our ability to rapidly build a home due to our very detailed design/build processes here at Sun West Custom Homes, enables new ASCAYA homeowners to move-in within a year.”

For more information, call ASCAYA’s sales office at 702-978-5800 or visit https://ascaya.com.

To view the full article published by Nevada Business Magazine on April 30, 2019 CLICK HERE. This article was also published in Las Vegas Review Journal on May 10, 2019, to view it CLICK HERE.

TNAR Press Tour – Elaine Maroutsas

Sarah Thornton 08.04.2019 Architecture, Construction, Design, News, Remodel, Residential Project, Sustainability 0

Designer Elma Gardner – By Design

Sarah Thornton 08.04.2019 Architecture, Art, Construction, News, Remodel, Residential Project, Sustainability 0

LG Solar Panels, Energy Star Appliances Bring Green Technology To 2019 ‘New American Remodel’ Home

Sarah Thornton 21.02.2019 News, Remodel, Sustainability 0

LG Named Official Partner for NAHB’s Net-Zero Showcase Home

This article was originally published at PRNewsWire, written by LG Electronics USA, on February 20, 2019.

Advanced solar panels and energy efficient home appliances from LG Electronics are delivering high-performance energy savings and unparalleled design to The New American Remodel^® (TNAR), the official show home of the 2019 International Builders’ Show^® in Las Vegas this week.

A highlight of TNAR is the “LG Ultimate Laundry Room,” built around an ENERGY STAR® certified LG front-load washer-dryer pair. It also features the premium LG Styler clothing care system.

Advanced solar panels and energy efficient home appliances from LG Electronics are delivering high-performance energy savings and unparalleled design to The New American Remodel® (TNAR), the official show home of the 2019 International Builders’ Show® in Las Vegas this week.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) named LG Electronics USA official partner for the “net zero” TNAR home in the Nevada desert. The New American Remodel is a state-of-the-art modern day marvel that exemplifies how even the most basic house can be transformed into a high-performance home when integrating today’s building practices that enhance energy efficiency, indoor-air quality, safety and universal design.

Michael Gardner, principal of studio g ARCHITECTURE and Luxus Design Build, builder of The New American Remodel 2019, said, “We hope this ‘net zero’ home, designed and being built to achieve the NGBS (National Green Building Standards) ‘Emerald’ designation, will feel totally different than all other show homes.” Supported by LG solar panels and efficient appliances, “TNAR blends West Coast design with farm-style living, and integrates a heavy use of organic materials and elements of nature to bring it all together.”

LG NeON 2 Solar Panels

Key to TNAR’s environmental sustainability is the rooftop installation of high-efficiency LG solar modules. All told, four dozen 60-cell LG NeON 2^® solar panels are powering the home. These 330-watt panels combine a new level of performance and flexibility for homeowners seeking to save on utility bills and take positive steps for the environment. LG NeON 2 panels, supported by best-in-class 25-year product and performance warranties, feature LG’s Cello™ technology that reduces electrical loss, while boosting power output and reliability.

LG Ultimate Laundry Room

A highlight of TNAR is the “LG Ultimate Laundry Room,” built around an ENERGY STAR^® certified LG front-load washer-dryer pair. It also features the premium LG Styler clothing care system. With the gentle power of steam (no chemicals), the LG Styler reduces wrinkles and odors from clothing to extend the life of clothing in between dry cleanings. It’s certified as asthma and allergy friendly® by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and can refresh up to four garments – including pressing a pair of pants – simultaneously. The LG Styler was honored this week by the NAHB Leading Suppliers Council with the 2019 Spark Award for innovation in the residential building industry.

Another NAHB project in Las Vegas this week, The New American Home, also features the LG Ultimate Laundry Room, highlighted by LG TWINWash,™ the industry’s first two-washer system. The traditional LG front-load washer with the LG SideKick™ pedestal washer enables consumers to tackle two loads of laundry at once or independently. The LG Ultimate Laundry Room’s lineup of ENERGY STAR certified washers and dryers lead the industry in reliability, according to a leading U.S. consumer products publication. The recognition adds to LG’s already distinguished reputation. LG home appliances earned more 2018 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Awards for appliances than any other manufacturer for the second year in a row.*

LG ENERGY STAR Certified 4K Ultra HD TVs

Rounding out the energy efficient technologies in TNAR are LG ENERGY STAR^® certified TVs featured throughout home, from “Man-Cave” to the great room to the master bedroom. These 75-, 65- and 55-inch class LG 4K Ultra HD TVs deliver four times the resolution of HDTV with advanced smart and artificial intelligence capabilities.

New Energy Storage Systems

During Design & Construction Week, across town at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the LG booth at the 2019 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (#C6307) is highlighting LG Electronics’ entry into the fast-growing U.S. market for residential energy storage solutions, complementing the company’s solar module technologies. LG has introduced two advanced new LG Energy Storage Systems for American homeowners: an AC-coupled 5.0 kW system for those who already have solar panels of any type on their homes and a DC-coupled 7.6 kW system as part of a new installation of LG solar panels.

Each year, the The New American Remodel program selects an existing home for a comprehensive remodel to demonstrate the very latest in building techniques, concepts, materials and designs. Thousands of building professionals from around the world come to tour TNAR and leave with countless ideas to incorporate into their own projects.

Tours of the home are offered to all registered attendees of the 2019 International Builders’ Show and the 2019 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, through Feb. 21. Complimentary shuttle buses from the Las Vegas Convention Center to the show home are available.

About LG Solar

LG Solar is a leading provider of high-efficiency solar modules to the U.S. commercial and residential markets. The U.S. LG Solar business is part of the LG Electronics USA Business Solutions division based in Lincolnshire, Ill. LG’s U.S. solar module production will start in Huntsville, Ala., in spring 2019. LG Electronics USA Inc., headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $54 billion global innovator in technology and manufacturing. www.LG.com/solar. www.LGsolutions.com

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $55 billion global innovator in technology and manufacturing. In the United States, LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, home entertainment products, mobile phones, commercial displays, air conditioning systems, solar energy solutions and vehicle components. LG is a 2018 ENERGY STAR^® Partner of the Year-Sustained Excellence. www.LG.com.

*J.D. Power ranked LG highest in 2018 customer satisfaction with top-mount freezer refrigerators four years in a row, with top-load washers and free-standing ranges for two years in a row and with side-by-side refrigerators for the first time. LG received the highest numerical score in the respective segments of the J.D. Power 2018 Laundry and Kitchen Appliance Satisfaction Study, based on 18,215 (kitchen) and 8,629 (laundry) total responses, measuring customer opinions about their new appliance purchased in the previous 12 months, surveyed March-April 2018. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

The New American Remodel Phase 2 Video

Sarah Thornton 01.12.2018 Architecture, Design, News, Remodel, Residential Project, Sustainability 0

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The remodel of the existing property on 2720 Pinto Lane presented some problems for Michael Gardner and the team. However, the discipline they had to take an existing home and completely remodel the property shows their attention to detail and their will to complete the project without sacrificing their design. In the video, Michael explains the importance of the location, his vision for the remodeled home as well as some of the challenges his team continues to conquer during this process.

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The Transcript:

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The big thing was a 60 foot by 100 foot by 10 foot deep hole that was cut in the backyard. The original owner was planning on putting a shooting range in the basement, a garage down there with a tennis court over the top. And unfortunately, they ran out of money or decided not to do anything with it so this property was pretty much used as a dump for the last 20-30 years. A lot of people saw it as an added cost and a big pain in the butt to deal with. And here we saw it as an opportunity to do something different and unique for Vegas.

We were lucky enough there was another project in town that had almost enough dirt for us to fill up the whole hole. So instead of trucking it off to the landfill or right somewhere else they dropped it off here. We’re going to turn that into an orchard so it’s gonna have citrus trees nut trees herb garden. We’re gonna build up those planter beds and put grapes and different types of herbs. The whole concept of it is true sustainability, you know a lot more is gonna happen on the property we’re not tied to a sewer system so we’re on-site septic. We’ve talked about doing some composting bins in areas so we can again create our own fertilizer and use it use it on the property and really tie in sustainability. I think everybody thinks sustainability is all the technology all of these products that’s just one part of it. We’re trying to bring that whole other part of sustainable living into the project.

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