Living remotely - our European clients had strong ideas about the type of home they wanted to design and build for their upcoming relocation to Ann Arbor. They wanted something that would last and they new homes that endure for centuries aren't made of wood. Uncomfortable with conventional stick frame construction, they asked for a more solid structure. This home's outside walls are made of Durisol blocks. They act as structure, insulation and thermal mass, making this home highly energy-efficient, quiet inside and very low-maintenance. Durisol blocks also make a healthy home. This is an earth-based structure, made mostly of wood and clay. The exterior walls modulate energy and moisture transfer very effectively, thereby creating an efficient structure that cannot create mold. The structure itself produces negative ions that work with biological processes and create a sense of well-being.

Tried-and-true building techniques blended with state-of-the art new technologies not only make this home durable and long-lasting, but also a home that utilizes a fraction of the energy and water of those built with standard building practices. Great design with an eye on the surroundings created a home that blends seamlessly in with the character of one of Ann Arbor's classic neighborhoods.

Professional Photography by Joshua Caldwell