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The millwork hides the bed and desk, but it also conceals the air conditioner. “Everything is integrated,” says Losada-Amor. “That’s what keeps it clean.” Even the garage door mechanism is hidden here.

Nehemiah Spring Creek in Brooklyn, New York

You may think that an existing or historic home—known for its drafty windows, old-fashioned mechanical systems, and obsolete construction materials and techniques—would be one of the least sustainable, green-friendly buildings around, but you'd be oh-so-very wrong!

The team painted the exterior brick after patching it in places, like the section left by the removal of the door. “We could find the exact texture of brick, that classic Roman running bond, but we could not find it in the right color,” says architect Kailin Gregga. Painting the entire exterior unifies the façade. Rich Brilliant Willing “Hoist” sconces in Black was also added.

The garage highlights the Lubkes’ structural engineering expertise with a 13-foot concrete wall built by Dolan Construction.

The couple now visits their wooded retreat almost every week—whether working remotely or relaxing on the weekends. “The purpose of the home is to relax,” says Barber. “For our family, [it] was about creating an escape from the rhythms and patterns of everyday life—somewhere where we focus on the activities we actually want to spend time on.”

Yellow vinyl floor tile defines the new living room and keeps the interior from veering too industrial. “You need to offset the brick with something simple,” says Tom. “Otherwise, you get too many textures.” The lights and coffee table were found at local vintage stores.

“The house shouldn't be something that ties you down to one place, it should give you new options for living,” says Ojalo.

- New Haven, Connecticut Dwell Magazine : September / October 2017

Manhattan Daybed by Guy Rogers.