All Posts in "Emily Burgman"

Contemporary Passive House Floor Plans for Cold Climate Efficiency

In the architectural landscape of 2026, the definition of a “home” has shifted. As climate volatility introduces more frequent and severe polar vortices, the Passive House standard has graduated from a niche environmental goal to a critical blueprint for absolute resilience. In cold climates, a modern floor plan is no longer just about aesthetics; it is a thermal strategy—a “Fortress of Warmth” designed to maintain habitable temperatures for weeks, even during total grid failure.

The 2026 Passive House—certified by the Passive House Institute (PHI) or Phius—utilizes the latest in vacuum insulation, bio-based structural cores, and AI-driven thermal orchestration to achieve a 90% reduction in heating energy compared to legacy building stock.

1. The Anatomy of a Cold-Climate Envelope

To survive sub-zero winters, the building envelope must transition from a “skin” to a high-performance “shield.”

Super-Insulation & The CLT Revolution

Traditional stick-framing is being replaced by Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)… READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — January 10, 2026 in Green Home Design
How to Reduce Volatile Organic Compounds and Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

In our modern, tightly sealed homes designed for energy efficiency, the quality of the air we breathe has become more important than ever. While we often focus on outdoor air pollution, the reality is that the concentration of pollutants inside our homes can be two to five times higher than outside. A significant portion of this pollution comes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

VOCs are a large group of chemicals that easily vaporize into the air at room temperature. They are emitted by thousands of everyday products, from the paint on your walls to the cleaning supplies under your sink. Understanding where these compounds come from and how to mitigate them is a crucial step in creating a healthier, more comfortable living environment.

Identifying Common VOC Culprits

The first step toward cleaner air is knowing what to look for. VOCs are pervasive in many common household items:

  • Building Materials: Paints,
… READ MORE ...
Emily Burgman by — January 5, 2026 in Green Home Design
Modern Barkitecture Garden Designs with Non-Toxic, Dog-Friendly Plants (2026)

In the landscape design world of 2026, the backyard has evolved from a human-centric space into a multi-species sanctuary. This shift is driven by Barkitecture—the discipline of integrating pet-centric needs into the very fabric of our homes and gardens. No longer are dogs relegated to a dirt patch in the corner; today’s gardens are designed as “sniff-scapes” and “paws-first” environments that prioritize canine wellness, safety, and sensory enrichment.

For the modern pet owner, the challenge is balancing high-design aesthetics with a plant palette that is as resilient as it is safe. In 2026, we’ve moved past the “don’t eat that” mentality toward a “please explore this” philosophy.

The Canine-Centric Garden: Zonation and Function

Successful Barkitecture relies on zonation. Just as a house has a kitchen and a bedroom, a dog-friendly garden should be divided into functional “rooms” that cater to specific behaviors.

1. The Play and Zoomie Zone

… READ MORE ...
Emily Burgman by — October 25, 2025 in Home Gardening
Modern Maximalist Living Rooms with a 70s Conversation Pit Heart

In the design landscape of 2026, we are witnessing a decisive departure from the sterile, hushed tones of “sad beige” minimalism. In its place, a vibrant, soulful, and deeply tactile movement has emerged: Modern Maximalism. This isn’t about clutter; it is about the deliberate curation of abundance. It is a style that favors “more is more,” provided that “more” is high-quality, historically resonant, and unapologetically comfortable.

At the epicenter of this resurgence are two icons of 1970s opulence: the sunken conversation pit and the swirling, organic complexity of burlwood. Together, these elements transform the living room from a mere passageway into a cinematic sanctuary built for intimate human connection.

The Conversation Pit: Lowering the Standard, Elevating the Style

The conversation pit is the ultimate architectural “hug.” Originally popularized in the mid-century and perfected in the 1970s, it removes the hierarchy of traditional furniture arrangements by creating a dedicated, sunken … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — September 19, 2025 in Home Design
Navigating the 2026 Federal Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit for Wind Turbines

As of February 2026, the landscape for residential renewable energy has undergone a significant transformation. Following the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act in July 2025, the generous pathways established by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have been narrowed. While the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) technically remains the headline rate, the 2026 requirements introduce rigorous new “Physical Work” tests and domestic content hurdles that did not exist two years ago.

For homeowners, 2026 is a “use it or lose it” year. Navigating these new federal mandates is no longer just about buying a turbine; it is about proving a timeline of significant on-site construction and verified domestic sourcing.

The 2026 Policy Pivot: BOC and Termination Dates

The most critical change in 2026 is the implementation of the “Beginning of Construction” (BOC) deadline. Under the OBBB Act and subsequent Treasury Notice 2025-42, wind projects are … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — July 18, 2025 in Wind Energy