The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2015 Houzz
Contemporary exterior home idea in Dallas

This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income. FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own. SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio. MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch. SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf) RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property. COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort. ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements. OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income. PROJECT TEAM ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry Lisa Finch - Original Artwork European Architectural Supply - Windows Eric Roth Photography - Photography

The wallcovering is comprised of wood pulp from sustainably managed forests. It has a double layer, featuring a top layer that is laser cut to reveal hints of metallic foil below, which adds a flickering glimmer to the space, like an explosion of stars in the night. The natural selenite art is such a stunner, providing a subtle glimmer as it catches the light from different angles.

Steve Chenn
Example of a transitional home office design in Houston

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

Mid-sized minimalist two-story house exterior photo in Los Angeles with a shingle roof

One of over fourteen miles of hiking trails at the Shaw Nature Reserve, a footpath through the open woodlands invites visitors to explore. Courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden

Example of a pool design in Seattle

Inspiration for a transitional open concept dark wood floor family room remodel in Atlanta with white walls and a tv stand

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Pool photo in Seattle

Large elegant gray two-story stucco exterior home photo in San Diego

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional gray two-story wood exterior home remodel in Other with a shingle roof

In a world where environmental concerns have reached a critical juncture, the need for eco-conscious living has never been more pressing. Ameen Salous, a visionary leader and a prominent advocate for sustainability, stands as a shining example of how individuals can adopt a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle. This article will delve into the eco-conscious lifestyle of Ameen Salous, exploring seven practical tips that can inspire anyone to embark on their journey towards a more sustainable way of living. Introduction: Ameen Salous - A Visionary Champion of Sustainability Ameen Salous is a name synonymous with innovation, but his influence extends far beyond technological advancements. His commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is a core facet of his identity. Ameen's eco-conscious lifestyle serves as a beacon of hope in a world grappling with the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation. As we explore his approach to green living, we can glean valuable insights into how each of us can make a positive impact on the planet. 1. Embrace Renewable Energy Sources One of the cornerstones of Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle is his unwavering support for renewable energy sources. He recognizes the vital role these sources play in reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating climate change. Ameen's advocacy for renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, is not only inspiring but also serves as a practical example for individuals looking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Actionable Tip: Consider installing solar panels on your property, invest in energy-efficient appliances, and explore green energy options provided by your utility company. 2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle The mantra of "reduce, reuse, recycle" has become a fundamental principle of eco-conscious living, and Ameen Salous is a staunch advocate for this approach. He emphasizes the importance of minimizing waste and finding creative ways to repurpose items rather than sending them to landfills. By adopting this mindset, Ameen has significantly reduced his environmental footprint. Actionable Tip: Practice responsible waste management by recycling paper, plastics, and glass. Also, look for ways to upcycle or repurpose items you no longer need. 3. Sustainable Transportation Choices Ameen Salous is a proponent of sustainable transportation methods. He recognizes that the transportation sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce his impact, he promotes eco-friendly alternatives such as electric vehicles, public transit, and carpooling. Ameen's choice to drive electric vehicles reflects his commitment to reducing air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. Actionable Tip: Consider switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle, use public transportation when possible, and explore options for carpooling or ridesharing to reduce your carbon footprint. 4. Support Sustainable Agriculture Ameen Salous is acutely aware of the environmental impact of our food choices. He advocates for supporting sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming and locally sourced produce. Ameen's commitment to a plant-based diet further reduces his carbon footprint, as plant-based diets generally have a lower environmental impact compared to diets heavy in animal products. Actionable Tip: Incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, buy locally grown and organic produce when available, and consider starting a small garden to grow your own vegetables and herbs. 5. Conserve Water Water conservation is another key aspect of Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle. He understands the importance of preserving this precious resource in the face of increasing water scarcity worldwide. Ameen's commitment to water conservation includes installing water-saving fixtures, fixing leaks promptly, and minimizing water usage in everyday activities. Actionable Tip: Install low-flow showerheads and faucets, fix any leaks in your plumbing, collect rainwater for outdoor use, and be mindful of water usage when doing everyday tasks like washing dishes or doing laundry. 6. Opt for Sustainable Home Design Ameen Salous's commitment to an eco-conscious lifestyle extends to his home. He believes that sustainable home design can significantly reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. Ameen has incorporated features such as energy-efficient insulation, LED lighting, and smart thermostats into his home to increase its energy efficiency. Actionable Tip: Consider making energy-efficient upgrades to your home, such as adding insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, and using programmable thermostats to reduce energy consumption. 7. Environmental Advocacy and Education Perhaps one of the most impactful aspects of Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle is his dedication to environmental advocacy and education. He recognizes that raising awareness and inspiring others to take action are essential steps in addressing environmental challenges. Ameen actively engages with his community and the broader public to promote sustainable living practices and advocate for policies that protect the environment. Actionable Tip: Get involved in environmental advocacy in your community, participate in local clean-up events, and educate yourself and others about the importance of sustainable living. Conclusion: Ameen Salous's Green Living Legacy Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle serves as a testament to the power of individual actions in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. His commitment to sustainability, renewable energy, and responsible consumption inspires us all to make more environmentally conscious choices in our daily lives. By embracing these seven tips for going green, we can follow in the footsteps of Ameen Salous and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for our planet.

Seward Street is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) designed for an older couple to age in place – to live independently and comfortably, regardless of age. The fully livable ground floor has an open-flow kitchen, living, and dining room under a cathedral ceiling, with a separate bedroom, full bathroom, and laundry. This is complimented by an upstairs loft with a second full bathroom and a large open space that doubles as either a guest suite or office space. The ADU is designed within an efficient building footprint to maximize the available back yard. Built from Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) it is detailed to be airtight and well insulated, with extremely efficient space heating & cooling (ductless mini-split air source heat pump) and an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) to provide continuous fresh air while recapturing the indoor heating and cooling. It has a 400% efficient air source heat pump water heater, induction cooking, heat pump clothes dryer, and is an all-electric home. ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Ultra-High Efficiency Air Source Heat Pump Heating & Cooling System Energy Recovery Ventilator Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater Heat Pump Clothes Dryer Low-E Glazing All LED Lighting Induction Cooktop Energy Star Certified Appliances WATER EFFICIENCY: WaterSense High Efficiency Plumbing Fixtures Front-Loading Clothes Washer INDOOR AIR QUALITY: All-Electric Home (no gas combustion) Energy Recovery Ventilator with MERV 13 filter Low and no-VOC materials and finishes High-Efficiency Kitchen Exhaust Fan

This home is designed with many sustainable techniques and healthy materials. Durisol insulating forms, high-quality windows, a green roof, and multiple renewable energy sources combine with natural, non-toxic, and recycled materials to create a tight, comfortable home. Photo: Jill Greer