Stern House is a passive solar design, zero net energy (ZNE) residence in Grover Beach, California. The owner and design team of this 1,400 SF home made a commitment to ZNE – rather than add more solar to power inefficiencies, the house was designed to reduce energy demands and to produce as much energy from the sun as it would need annually.

The home optimized the principles of passive solar design: orientation, ventilation, insulation, and mass. It utilizes southern orientation with twice the south glazing of a typical home, while extended overhangs prevent the afternoon sun from hitting the second floor until late fall.

Design Architect and Contractor: The Energy Experts