Carmel Building & Design

04/01/2025

When it comes to any design/build project, every little detail matters. Here Rob Nicely takes us through an example of this approach when it comes to bathroom finishes, where the installation of tiles is done with careful consideration. At Carmel Building & Design, our focus is on you, the client. We take time to understand your vision and sustainability goals, and work with you to make them a reality. Our aim is to make sure your home and your experience surpass your expectations. Let's get talking about your dream home. Get in touch at carmelbuilding.com

03/26/2025

Carmel Building & Design is a name synonymous with excellence in sustainable home design and construction in the Monterey Bay area. Our commitment to personalized service and eco-conscious practices ensures that each project we undertake is a unique expression of our clients' vision. Swipe through this selection of images of our projects, then read more here ⬇️

🌊Carmel Highlands Seascape
In this breathtaking Carmel Highlands residence, the focus is on capturing the majesty of the Pacific Ocean. Expansive glass sliders frame the stunning seascape, while thoughtful design choices, such as a state-of-the-art ventilation system, ensure a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living.

⛰️Carmel Valley Vistas
This expansive home in Carmel Valley is a celebration of natural beauty. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase breathtaking mountain and valley views, while sustainable features like solar panels and a geothermal heating system minimize the home's environmental impact.

🌳Renovated Mid-Century Modern
This mid-century modern gem in Carmel Valley has been lovingly restored to its original splendor. The renovation pays homage to the home's heritage, while modernizing it with energy-efficient upgrades and thoughtful design choices.

Whether you're embarking on a new construction project or seeking to revitalize an existing home, Carmel Building & Design is your trusted partner. We approach each project with a personalized touch, ensuring that your vision is realized with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to sustainability.

Let's discuss YOUR dream home. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover the Carmel Building & Design difference: https://www.carmelbuilding.com/contact/

03/18/2025

Let's take a look at the 3rd : Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV)! 💨 Fresh air is essential, but it can also be energy-draining. HRV systems solve this by exchanging heat between incoming fresh air and outgoing stale air. This means you get a constant supply of filtered, healthy air without losing valuable energy. Learn more about Passive House by visiting carmelbuilding.com!

03/12/2025

Set in the bucolic Carmel hills, this home is a celebration of openness and light. The expansive floor plan and abundant windows blur the lines between indoors and out, inviting the beauty of the natural world into every corner of the home. It is a testament to the power of personal expression and the harmonious integration of art and nature. It is a place where the homeowner's artistic vision has transformed a house into a true retreat, a sanctuary of creativity and tranquility.
Photography by Rick Pharoah

03/03/2025

Passive House Principle #2: High-Performance Windows! 🪟 These aren't your average windows! They're designed with multiple panes of glass, special coatings, and airtight frames to minimize heat transfer. They let the sunshine in while keeping the cold (or heat) out!
Ever wondered how Passive Houses achieve incredible energy efficiency? 🤔 It's all thanks to 5 key principles! Over the next few weeks, we're breaking down each one:

Continuous Insulation
High-Performance Windows
Heat Recovery Ventilation
Airtight Building Envelope
Reduced Thermal Bridging

Stay tuned to learn how these elements work together to create comfortable, sustainable homes! This week, we're diving into the second principle...

Learn more at www.carmelbuilding.com/sustainable-design-build/

02/27/2025

Mark your calendars and register to join the Passive House Accelerator Designing for Fire Resilience online, March 14, 11:30am – 4:00pm (Eastern). Rob Nicely of Carmel Building & Design will be participating as a friendly expert to network with peers, share insights, and explore new opportunities for collaboration to drive positive change in the field of fire resilience. Find out more and register over at https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/events/designing-for-fire-resilience

02/19/2025

This Pacific Grove home underwent a total transformation, both from aesthetic and performance standpoints. The result: a certified Passive House with a decidedly retro contemporary feel. Get more about the project at https://www.carmelbuilding.com/projects/retro-contemporary/

02/12/2025

Big news for sustainable homes in California! 🎉 Assemblymember Chris Ward just introduced a bill (AB 368) that could make it easier and cheaper to build super energy-efficient Passive Houses. These homes use less energy for heating and cooling, which is good for your wallet and the planet! The bill would let builders use Passive House standards as an alternative to current building rules, saving them money and cutting down on pollution. Passive Houses are also healthier, more comfortable, and even more fire-resistant! This is a huge step towards a greener California!

Source: https://a78.asmdc.org/press-releases/20250204-assemblymember-ward-introduces-ab-368-advance-passive-house-standards-more

01/29/2025

Aiming to remodel your home or build a new home in 2025? 🍃 This is your opportunity to develop an energy-efficient, low carbon, healthy, comfortable, durable home strategy. Discover the power of Passive House design ⬇️

Designing and building an all electric certified Passive House, by Carmel Building & Design, Passive House designers in Carmel, California.

01/23/2025

🔥Ever heard of wood that's burned to protect it
Shou Sugi Ban, a traditional Japanese technique, does exactly that. By charring the wood's surface, we create a stunning, durable, and naturally fire-resistant finish.
In this video, Rob Nicely shows a recent Passive House project where we used Shou Sugi Ban.

Why Shou Sugi Ban?
Durability: The charred layer acts as a shield against insects, rot, and weathering.
Fire Resistance: The process of charring actually makes the wood less likely to catch fire.
Unique Aesthetic: Shou Sugi Ban creates a beautiful, textured look that complements modern and traditional designs.
Sustainability: It's an eco-friendly way to preserve wood and enhance its natural properties.

Want to learn more about Shou Sugi Ban and how it can elevate your next project? Send us an email at info @ carmelbuilding.com

01/15/2025

✨ Your vision, our expertise.✨ Our Design/Build approach combines architectural excellence with expert construction. We guide you through every step, ensuring your dream home becomes a reality.

Choose a Quality Custom Home Design/Build Team:
👷Extensive experience: Review their portfolio for quality and expertise.
🏠Exceptional craftsmanship: Focus on quality materials and sustainable practices.
📋 Strong project management: Ensure efficiency, timeliness, and budget adherence.
📲 Excellent communication: Open and transparent communication is key.

Choose a team that understands the personal nature of this journey and provides exceptional customer service.

01/08/2025

Sustainable luxury at its finest: This Carmel-By-The-Sea home is Central California's first home. We worked closely with Justin Pauly Architects to create a sustainable, high-performance design and building. The systems, materials and building techniques that improve indoor air quality, quiet, comfort and durability are gracefully out of sight, leaving an elegant, stylish impression. Learn more about it at carmelbuilding.com/projects.