Zonda - Resource Library

Backyard cooking has evolved beyond grills and barbecues, with increasingly innovative options becoming available for complete outdoor kitchens. Homeowners wanting to invest in luxurious spaces for cooking, gathering, and entertaining need solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but durable and long-lasting, with cabinetry and workspaces able to withstand the elements and retain their beauty and structural durability.

This course will explore the design flexibility offered by acetylated wood, a modified timber that’s been used in many outdoor building applications for decades and is now enabling new possibilities for luxury outdoor kitchen construction.

Findings from the 2023 National Kitchen and Bath Association’s Design Trends Report pointed to the growing importance of function and flexibility in kitchen and overall home design. Homeowners are seeking order, flexibility to accommodate a wider variety of needs, and breathing room in flowing floor plans and outdoor spaces. This course discusses the growing importance of outdoor kitchens, mudrooms, pantries, and spa-like suites, as well as how multigenerational living is changing household structures. The course will demonstrate how these factors are influencing home design and a wide variety of uses for what are traditionally considered “kitchen appliances” but are indeed household appliances that can help add flexibility and function to these spaces.

This video explains the functions, benefits and the technology that makes induction cooktops a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional gas and electric models.

Customizable appliances that range from modern to traditional, comfortable to contemporary. Check out these fresh ideas and stylish options for your clients looking to make a statement with their kitchen design.

The internet has given American consumers unfettered access to the global market, which is greatly influencing our design choices, from clothing and furniture to home and even kitchen design. Whether it’s an indoor/outdoor connection with a breezy island feel, architectural details reminiscent of French bistros, or the functional minimalism of Scandinavia, kitchens play a significant role in expressing the style of a home and its homeowners, which is more global than ever. This course will take a closer look at these global influences, including forward-thinking design ideas from abroad that will impact the sustainability, safety, and accessibility of kitchens. The course will also discuss innovative kitchen appliances that complement many kitchen styles and will explore several case studies that allowed designers to integrate global influences, wellness, and sustainability into their designs.

Achieving carbon neutrality and protecting the world's water supply are vital to the AEC industry because of the significant impact buildings have on the environment and occupant health. The structures that we live, work, and commune in use a vast amount of the energy and water consumed on the planet for building operations and maintenance.

Over the past two decades more and more organizations, from private companies to federal governments, have taken steps to minimize their impact on the environment and, more recently, on society's wellbeing as a whole. This has been accomplished through sustainable building design, social accountability, and ethical economic practices. This course will discuss a Net Positive approach to design and business operations.

Designers have a plethora of options when specifying interior surface materials, but one stands out among the crowd, despite being an age-old material: veneer. This course will explore the evolution of veneering from ancient times to today and how factory-crafted veneer cabinetry remains a handcrafted art. We will also discuss design options and performance benefits that this sustainable material of choice offers.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets the minimum requirements for newly designed and constructed or renovated state and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. When designing restrooms, some of each type of accessible plumbing fixture and restroom accessories and their installation location must meet accessibility requirements contained in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Many projects must also follow the provisions of the 2017 Edition of the ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities Standard.

As states adopt the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) into their states’ building code, the ICC A117.1-2017 Accessible Standards will become effective for existing and new buildings. Forty-six states follow the ICC A117.1-2017 Standards (all but California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Texas; who harmonize with the ADA Standards). Additionally, states such as California have accessible requirements that vary from the ADA standards and are more stringent providing greater access.

In this course, we will cover the 2010 ADA and the ICC A117.1-2017 accessibility standards. We will also point out where and how the states including California, Florida and Minnesota building codes differ from the ADA and the ICC A117.1-2017 standards. It is important that you always check the accessibility standards that apply to your project’s location.

While most kitchens do have ventilation systems, homeowners often don’t use them properly and aren’t aware of how quickly cooking can negatively impact a home’s indoor air quality. This course discusses that impact and how proper specification of ventilation systems can significantly improve indoor air quality to protect occupant health and safeguard a home’s fixtures and furnishings from detrimental grease and odors. We will cover how to achieve proper sizing and positioning of a ventilation system, design and customization options, as well as projects where ventilation systems were used to maximize style and safety in residential kitchens.

The idea that the design of a home has an impact on the health and well-being of its residents is not new. Read how luxury single and multifamily residential design is responding to a post-pandemic need to maintain and improve the health of inhabitants.