The Builder’s Notes

Here’s some good news: according to the US Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the United States’ energy consumption per household is down 10 percent since 1980. This data is especially impressive considering that our homes are larger and contain more devices than ever before. One of the secrets behind this impressive statistic? Technological innovation in homebuilding. Thanks to breakthroughs from governmental, academic, and sustainable homebuilding organizations and companies, the equipment we use in our homes is more energy-efficient than ever. At Clarum, we help our clients...


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On average, Palo Alto sees 261 sunny days each year – about 30 percent more than the average American city. It’s no doubt that this weather motivates Silicon Valley residents to get outside. But the sunlight also benefits you indoors – as long your home is built strategically. The truth is, natural light is a key element to any modern home. In contrast to harsh and distracting artificial lamps, modern homes intentionally bring in optimal levels of natural light, enhancing the comfort and beauty of the living space. At Clarum, we encourage our clients to think about natural light...


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A custom modern home is a work of art – and what’s a true masterpiece without the perfect application of color? The right palette can influence the mood of a room, give a lasting first impression to guests, and help customize your home to your specific tastes. And, when incorporated into the architecture, color can create a desirable modern look for years to come. At Clarum, we encourage our clients to think about color throughout the custom homebuilding process. Explore how to use the right hues to your home’s advantage! Integrate color into your home with these modern strategies Balance...


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When you think about your perfect home, you may consider modern architecture, innovative technology, and inviting outdoor spaces. But if you’re like many others, you may underestimate one element that’s crucial to the home of your dreams: healthy indoor air quality. Air pollution levels inside the average new home in the United States are two to five times worse than the levels outside. These statistics are especially concerning in wintertime: because we tend to stay indoors more often, pollutants can have an even greater impact on health. Plus, for those who suffer from allergies or asthma,...


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Seven modern elements to brighten up your winter Even in the sunny state of California, winter can be a dreary season. Between too-early sunsets and chilly evenings, it can be enough to make you want to stay inside for months. The good news is you can enjoy a bright and cozy modern home all year round thanks to upscale amenities, thoughtful architecture, and energy-efficient technology. Read more about seven elements Clarum incorporates into our clients’ custom homes to beat the winter blues. Rooms with natural light Since the sun makes briefer appearances in winter, it’s a good idea...


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Five ways to boost the appeal of your modern kitchen When you are planning the elements of your custom modern home, it’s important to consider the appeal of your kitchen – this space is often an important part of family life and is also key to entertaining guests. And with the holidays and family get-togethers right on the horizon, now is the perfect time to consider ways to boost the attractiveness and functionality of your kitchen. At Clarum, we collaborate with our clients to make the kitchen a showcase area of their space. Explore these five ways to enhance the heart of your custom...


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  When you are planning your modern custom home, there are a number of elements that you can incorporate to add style and comfort. These features will enhance your day-to-day living and make your home more comfortable and fun for entertaining guests. Additionally, when you are ready to sell, these popular improvements will increase the value of your home. The most sought-after aspects for modern homes 1) Open floor plans In a study of luxury real estate by Coldwell Banker, open floor plans are one of the top features that are becoming increasingly important for homebuyers. Modern...


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Beautiful flooring can considerably improve the aesthetic of your home – sprawling hardwoods, lush carpets, or smooth concrete can all make a lasting impression in their own way. But besides pleasing the eye, flooring is increasingly becoming a key part of sustainable homebuilding, and can improve the state of your environment. Studies conducted by the EPA have found that indoor pollutant levels can climb up to five times higher than outdoor pollutant levels.  Flooring can be one of the greatest culprits behind these hazards – installations of new carpet or hardwoods can release volatile...


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  As we discussed in our previous post, Modern custom homes: Simple and intuitive (part one), minimalism is a key contributor to the chic design favored by our clients in Palo Alto and Silicon Valley. In contrast to the ornate, detailed approach of traditional architecture, the streamlined aesthetic of modern homes brings simplicity to the forefront. Clarum President and Founder John Suppes recognizes this style as a growing trend amongst our clients. “Not only are Clarum’s clients committed to reducing their carbon footprint, but they also aim to cut architectural clutter...


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  As the growth of high-tech companies continues in Palo Alto and Silicon Valley, we’re seeing increasing demand for custom high-performance homes that rely on streamlined modern design. Clarum’s clients appreciate the minimal, cohesive approach of Modernism that’s in alignment with the tech platforms of today. It’s not surprising that people who work every day with clean, easy-to-use interfaces desire a kindred aesthetic beyond the digital space – they want it in the place they live. Elegant and airy modern homes provide a welcome contrast to our area’s pervasively ornate...


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