The homeowners wanted to create a super green, water-conserving and energy-efficient home that would carry them throughout the balance of their days. They wanted it to reflect their design aesthetics and fit in seamlessly with their neighborhood. The design solution includes a street-friendly wrap around porch. It also positions the new gabled roof form to capture as much south-facing solar energy as possible for both active and passive solar capture. The extensive south facing roof also enabled the introduction of solar shingles to generate building-integrated renewable energy.

One of the hallmarks of this home is the integration of the Not So Big® design philosophy to maximize the utility and efficiency of every square inch. The main level of the home was also designed with Aging in Place design strategies, including an away space/den that could be modified to serve as our clients' main-floor bedroom. The adjacent bath was designed with clearances and maneuvering space to allow for all levels of accessibility.

The central focal point of this home is the custom designed and built central stairway that is not only aesthetically stunning but provides proper air-flow between floors of this near net-zero energy home. The stair railing was designed and forged by John Walters of Metal Off Main. The stair treads were built from an old barn beam salvaged from a local Barn.

This home has be certified LEED Platinum by the United States Green Building Council.

Staircase Design and Fabrication: John Walters of MetalOffMain.com in Jackson Hole, WY (Previously located in Ann Arbor, MI)
Architect: Architectural Resource, Ann Arbor, MI
Photo Credit: John Carlson of Carlson Productions in Royal Oak, MI