The whole idea of upgrading and re-branding a house can be practical and interesting. It can create wonderful improvements to a rather old and basic structure. To complete the process, it is important to take into consideration the personalities, interests and lifestyle of its owners.

Located high above the southwest corner of San Francisco’s Noe Valley is a house that was built way back in the 1970’s. All houses in the area were all designed in the same way and represented the natural charm. However, Scott MacFiggen and Regina Bustamante decided to transform their old house to suit their personal taste and interests and at the same time enable them to manage their new interests.

With the help of Architect Christi Azevedo, Scott and Regina upgraded their old house into something that depicts simplicity and practicality while incorporating their tech-forward lifestyle as well.

From a stick-frame basic box, the house had been upgraded with a midnight-black façade consisting of Japanese-inspired cedar boards and encourages the concept of entertaining outdoors. The house is also equipped with solar panels to save energy, a modern kitchen, stainless steel counter, a raised rear patio wherein original redwood decking had been reused, and Solus fire pit to warm them up when the night gets colder.

The house is also designed to produce more energy than it consumes and incorporates a system that allows the couple to charge their electric cars. Over-all, this Home Automation project managed to combine environment-friendly measures with tech-forward living. To see more of Azevedo Design’s work, find them in our Prefab and Modular Home Designers and Builders Directory (click here).

The Habitat for Humanity Student Design Competition which focuses on sustainable home designs had just announced its five winners. The competition encourages young professionals to feature and take into consideration sustainable strategies in building homes. It focuses on innovative solutions that are cost-effective and practical yet highly aesthetic, simple and promote healthier living.

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, which chose one winner from each region, had also taken into consideration the candidate which best utilized vinyl building materials.

The South Region winner came up with NOTBOX, an affordable housing project that features the use of insulating concrete forms. The project had been described as sophisticated in design and is commended for its ease of construction.

The West Region winner is entitled “The S House: A Passive House for Calgary”. The success of the design can be attributed to its simplicity and straightforward approach to sustainable design. Its structure and relevant features are integrated within a single concept.

The winner from the Central Region came up with a plan that has potential for future improvements. The space is adjustable and its construction took into consideration factors such as sunlight, rain and changes in weather. It also promotes cost-effective techniques in its construction.

The Northeast Region winner made use of light, durable and strong materials. The design was commended for utilizing vinyl as a material instead of a building component. The design is decent and uncomplicated.

The Best Use of Vinyl winner won the title for its modest design which is both practical and affordable. The project was described as modest and made use of vinyl as an exterior instead of vinyl siding. Over all, the design is cost-effective, simple and highly sustainable.