Hybrid Home

The skillful integration of modern architecture with sustainable building science was the design goal for this courtyard home. An educated client was interested in green building from a technology / systems perspective, and encouraged us to design toward net-zero.

To reach this goal, the design weaves natural materials and clean visual detailing to achieve an organic modern aesthetic while applying OVE (Optimum Value Engineering) framing techniques, insulation over the sheathing, sprayed foam insulation, and blower door testing to construct a tight building envelope, thus minimizing energy impact. The building systems include Passive solar design, directionally tuned glazing, high efficiency multi-zoned radiant heat, EPA approved biomass heat, and solar thermal / photovoltaic panels for energy generation. Continuing the conscious systems approach in HVAC, an HRV (Hear Recovery Ventilator) and high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) AC system couple with natural ventilation through motorized awning windows.

The result is a beautiful, near zero-energy urban home that embraces its owners’ ecological sensibilities as it embraces a private courtyard haven.