The overarching design intent for this 1,455-square-foot West Vine Street condominium was to make the spaces contemporary and functional. The renovation began with an unexpected structural deficiency in the form of a post located in the middle of the living room that was causing a three-inch dip in the floor. It was removed and replaced with steel columns running down through the walls and into a footing pad with a three-foot depth. The main living spaces underwent significant changes; the kitchen was reconfigured to open up a formerly cramped space, and the removal of a wall made room for a cascading island with Cesarstone countertops—a crowning feature. Additionally, an electrical panel was relocated to be able to wrap the refrigerator with a wood veneer frame. Notable materials include eight-inch-wide ‘Esplanade’ French oak plank floors chosen to complement the reclaimed wood-wrapped ceiling beams, which feature a combination of LED downlighting and uplighting. A sleek gas fireplace with horizontal slate surround and paneled wall backing replaced an old wood-burning stove—furthering the design program. Pacheco-Robb Architects dismantled an existing spiral stair and replaced it with a cable-rail system—a nautical nod—which is noteworthy for the way it meets code; by running a contiguous oak banister for the entire length of the stair, they were able to avoid having to add a second railing, which would shrink the already narrow stairwell. Upstairs, a tight bedroom with gabled ceilings was addressed by adding a solar-operated skylight with built-in shade, plus minimalistic furnishings. Structural changes in the master bedroom included eliminating a closest to widen the room, and reconfiguring a bathroom to fit a small walk-in closet in lieu of a long, thin hallway. The formerly unfinished rooftop deck is now accessed via a six-foot door that opens more than 90 degrees. Azek decking was laid over the rubber roof, and two-inch stanchions were located around the rail’s outer edge. By opening the floor plan and streamlining the aesthetic, the place now breathes.

This vacation home, situated on a three acre wooded site, is an addition to the original modest house and garage. The program called for the addition of approximately 3,000 square feet to include living, dining, kitchen, and master bedroom space. A pavilion was created to the west of the existing house, with an internal bridge that spans a water element and connects both structures. This strategy of separation allowed exploration of a new architecture that combined the timber tradition of the mountains with contemporary elements like expansive glass and an open plan. This is expressed by the great weight of the timber frame structure, which takes the form of two girder trusses that rest upon stone masses. On the west the truss is positioned outside the glass wall of the house. This creates a sense of depth that allows the building to dissolve into the landscape, and on a practical note, provides sun screening. A.I.A. Wyoming Chapter Design Award of Merit 2001 Project Year: Pre-2005

The overarching design intent for this 1,455-square-foot West Vine Street condominium was to make the spaces contemporary and functional. The renovation began with an unexpected structural deficiency in the form of a post located in the middle of the living room that was causing a three-inch dip in the floor. It was removed and replaced with steel columns running down through the walls and into a footing pad with a three-foot depth. The main living spaces underwent significant changes; the kitchen was reconfigured to open up a formerly cramped space, and the removal of a wall made room for a cascading island with Cesarstone countertops—a crowning feature. Additionally, an electrical panel was relocated to be able to wrap the refrigerator with a wood veneer frame. Notable materials include eight-inch-wide ‘Esplanade’ French oak plank floors chosen to complement the reclaimed wood-wrapped ceiling beams, which feature a combination of LED downlighting and uplighting. A sleek gas fireplace with horizontal slate surround and paneled wall backing replaced an old wood-burning stove—furthering the design program. Pacheco-Robb Architects dismantled an existing spiral stair and replaced it with a cable-rail system—a nautical nod—which is noteworthy for the way it meets code; by running a contiguous oak banister for the entire length of the stair, they were able to avoid having to add a second railing, which would shrink the already narrow stairwell. Upstairs, a tight bedroom with gabled ceilings was addressed by adding a solar-operated skylight with built-in shade, plus minimalistic furnishings. Structural changes in the master bedroom included eliminating a closest to widen the room, and reconfiguring a bathroom to fit a small walk-in closet in lieu of a long, thin hallway. The formerly unfinished rooftop deck is now accessed via a six-foot door that opens more than 90 degrees. Azek decking was laid over the rubber roof, and two-inch stanchions were located around the rail’s outer edge. By opening the floor plan and streamlining the aesthetic, the place now breathes.

Some families measure a life well-lived not in possessions, but in moments. Elevé Studios is the physical expression of that conviction. Set within a private equestrian property in Silver Creek in Park City, this 5,000 square foot accessory studio was designed to serve as the experiential heart of the estate. Vitruvius Built was engaged to deliver a structure that is equal parts athlete's retreat, entertainer's sanctuary, and private resort, built to the same precision and permanence as the main residence it supports. The program is unapologetically experiential: a regulation heated pickleball court, a private pilates and yoga studio, a professional golf simulator, and an expansive garage occupy the main volume, while a self-contained ADU provides accommodations for guests or extended family. Each element was specified and constructed to perform at the highest level, because for this family, investing in how you spend time is the only investment that compounds without limit. A 45-kilowatt solar installation with integrated EV charging reflects the same philosophy extended outward. The land that frames this property is part of what makes it extraordinary, and the family's commitment to preserving it is built into the structure itself. Elevé Studios is a testament to what becomes possible when a family knows exactly what it values, and partners with a builder who understands how to make it permanent. Architecture & Interiors: AD Architects

Located in Bowden Rach, a desirable neighborhood near Downtown San Luis Obispo, The Smith residence represents a fusion of styles and a unique program. The clients came with the request for a modestly sized living space and an oversized garage/workshop big enough to house the activities for all of their hobbies. The clients’ pastimes include welding, furniture making, and working on cars and motorcycles. The design solution is a 2600 SF residence and 1200 SF garage. Architecturally, the contemporary saw tooth and butterfly rooflines paired with traditional detailing and materials provided the clients with the unique look they desired. On the exterior, the building is clad in smooth trowel stucco, corrugated metal and slate tile. On the interior, stained concrete floors, exposed structure and custom eucalyptus cabinetry and casework provide for a unique blend of industrial and warm traditional.

Located in Bowden Rach, a desirable neighborhood near Downtown San Luis Obispo, The Smith residence represents a fusion of styles and a unique program. The clients came with the request for a modestly sized living space and an oversized garage/workshop big enough to house the activities for all of their hobbies. The clients’ pastimes include welding, furniture making, and working on cars and motorcycles. The design solution is a 2600 SF residence and 1200 SF garage. Architecturally, the contemporary saw tooth and butterfly rooflines paired with traditional detailing and materials provided the clients with the unique look they desired. On the exterior, the building is clad in smooth trowel stucco, corrugated metal and slate tile. On the interior, stained concrete floors, exposed structure and custom eucalyptus cabinetry and casework provide for a unique blend of industrial and warm traditional.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

This vacation home, situated on a three acre wooded site, is an addition to the original modest house and garage. The program called for the addition of approximately 3,000 square feet to include living, dining, kitchen, and master bedroom space. A pavilion was created to the west of the existing house, with an internal bridge that spans a water element and connects both structures. This strategy of separation allowed exploration of a new architecture that combined the timber tradition of the mountains with contemporary elements like expansive glass and an open plan. This is expressed by the great weight of the timber frame structure, which takes the form of two girder trusses that rest upon stone masses. On the west the truss is positioned outside the glass wall of the house. This creates a sense of depth that allows the building to dissolve into the landscape, and on a practical note, provides sun screening. A.I.A. Wyoming Chapter Design Award of Merit 2001 Project Year: Pre-2005

Located in Bowden Rach, a desirable neighborhood near Downtown San Luis Obispo, The Smith residence represents a fusion of styles and a unique program. The clients came with the request for a modestly sized living space and an oversized garage/workshop big enough to house the activities for all of their hobbies. The clients’ pastimes include welding, furniture making, and working on cars and motorcycles. The design solution is a 2600 SF residence and 1200 SF garage. Architecturally, the contemporary saw tooth and butterfly rooflines paired with traditional detailing and materials provided the clients with the unique look they desired. On the exterior, the building is clad in smooth trowel stucco, corrugated metal and slate tile. On the interior, stained concrete floors, exposed structure and custom eucalyptus cabinetry and casework provide for a unique blend of industrial and warm traditional.

Some families measure a life well-lived not in possessions, but in moments. Elevé Studios is the physical expression of that conviction. Set within a private equestrian property in Silver Creek in Park City, this 5,000 square foot accessory studio was designed to serve as the experiential heart of the estate. Vitruvius Built was engaged to deliver a structure that is equal parts athlete's retreat, entertainer's sanctuary, and private resort, built to the same precision and permanence as the main residence it supports. The program is unapologetically experiential: a regulation heated pickleball court, a private pilates and yoga studio, a professional golf simulator, and an expansive garage occupy the main volume, while a self-contained ADU provides accommodations for guests or extended family. Each element was specified and constructed to perform at the highest level, because for this family, investing in how you spend time is the only investment that compounds without limit. A 45-kilowatt solar installation with integrated EV charging reflects the same philosophy extended outward. The land that frames this property is part of what makes it extraordinary, and the family's commitment to preserving it is built into the structure itself. Elevé Studios is a testament to what becomes possible when a family knows exactly what it values, and partners with a builder who understands how to make it permanent. Architecture & Interiors: AD Architects

The clients called me on the recommendation from a neighbor of mine who had met them at a conference and learned of their need for an architect. They contacted me and after meeting to discuss their project they invited me to visit their site, not far from White Salmon in Washington State. Initially, the couple discussed building a ‘Weekend’ retreat on their 20± acres of land. Their site was in the foothills of a range of mountains that offered views of both Mt. Adams to the North and Mt. Hood to the South. They wanted to develop a place that was ‘cabin-like’ but with a degree of refinement to it and take advantage of the primary views to the north, south and west. They also wanted to have a strong connection to their immediate outdoors. Before long my clients came to the conclusion that they no longer perceived this as simply a weekend retreat but were now interested in making this their primary residence. With this new focus we concentrated on keeping the refined cabin approach but needed to add some additional functions and square feet to the original program. They wanted to downsize from their current 3,500± SF city residence to a more modest 2,000 – 2,500 SF space. They desired a singular open Living, Dining and Kitchen area but needed to have a separate room for their television and upright piano. They were empty nesters and wanted only two bedrooms and decided that they would have two ‘Master’ bedrooms, one on the lower floor and the other on the upper floor (they planned to build additional ‘Guest’ cabins to accommodate others in the near future). The original scheme for the weekend retreat was only one floor with the second bedroom tucked away on the north side of the house next to the breezeway opposite of the carport. Another consideration that we had to resolve was that the particular location that was deemed the best building site had diametrically opposed advantages and disadvantages. The views and primary solar orientations were also the source of the prevailing winds, out of the Southwest. The resolve was to provide a semi-circular low-profile earth berm on the south/southwest side of the structure to serve as a wind-foil directing the strongest breezes up and over the structure. Because our selected site was in a saddle of land that then sloped off to the south/southwest the combination of the earth berm and the sloping hill would effectively created a ‘nestled’ form allowing the winds rushing up the hillside to shoot over most of the house. This allowed me to keep the favorable orientation to both the views and sun without being completely compromised by the winds.

Some families measure a life well-lived not in possessions, but in moments. Elevé Studios is the physical expression of that conviction. Set within a private equestrian property in Silver Creek in Park City, this 5,000 square foot accessory studio was designed to serve as the experiential heart of the estate. Vitruvius Built was engaged to deliver a structure that is equal parts athlete's retreat, entertainer's sanctuary, and private resort, built to the same precision and permanence as the main residence it supports. The program is unapologetically experiential: a regulation heated pickleball court, a private pilates and yoga studio, a professional golf simulator, and an expansive garage occupy the main volume, while a self-contained ADU provides accommodations for guests or extended family. Each element was specified and constructed to perform at the highest level, because for this family, investing in how you spend time is the only investment that compounds without limit. A 45-kilowatt solar installation with integrated EV charging reflects the same philosophy extended outward. The land that frames this property is part of what makes it extraordinary, and the family's commitment to preserving it is built into the structure itself. Elevé Studios is a testament to what becomes possible when a family knows exactly what it values, and partners with a builder who understands how to make it permanent. Architecture & Interiors: AD Architects

The size of this proposed accessory building was limited to 800 sq. ft., but using mechanical car lifts, we were able to fulfill his program by stacking his cars two high. In that the property also lacked a large amount of usable landscaped outdoor space, I suggested that we landscape the backup area and the access to where the cars would be stored. Working with Andrea Swanson of Thomas Bock and Associates in Walnut Creek, CA, we developed a plan that did just that. The lawn that you see in the photos is installed over turf blocks providing the structural support needed for backup and the driveway to the structure. Photo: Indivar Sivanathan

The overarching design intent for this 1,455-square-foot West Vine Street condominium was to make the spaces contemporary and functional. The renovation began with an unexpected structural deficiency in the form of a post located in the middle of the living room that was causing a three-inch dip in the floor. It was removed and replaced with steel columns running down through the walls and into a footing pad with a three-foot depth. The main living spaces underwent significant changes; the kitchen was reconfigured to open up a formerly cramped space, and the removal of a wall made room for a cascading island with Cesarstone countertops—a crowning feature. Additionally, an electrical panel was relocated to be able to wrap the refrigerator with a wood veneer frame. Notable materials include eight-inch-wide ‘Esplanade’ French oak plank floors chosen to complement the reclaimed wood-wrapped ceiling beams, which feature a combination of LED downlighting and uplighting. A sleek gas fireplace with horizontal slate surround and paneled wall backing replaced an old wood-burning stove—furthering the design program. Pacheco-Robb Architects dismantled an existing spiral stair and replaced it with a cable-rail system—a nautical nod—which is noteworthy for the way it meets code; by running a contiguous oak banister for the entire length of the stair, they were able to avoid having to add a second railing, which would shrink the already narrow stairwell. Upstairs, a tight bedroom with gabled ceilings was addressed by adding a solar-operated skylight with built-in shade, plus minimalistic furnishings. Structural changes in the master bedroom included eliminating a closest to widen the room, and reconfiguring a bathroom to fit a small walk-in closet in lieu of a long, thin hallway. The formerly unfinished rooftop deck is now accessed via a six-foot door that opens more than 90 degrees. Azek decking was laid over the rubber roof, and two-inch stanchions were located around the rail’s outer edge. By opening the floor plan and streamlining the aesthetic, the place now breathes.

The overarching design intent for this 1,455-square-foot West Vine Street condominium was to make the spaces contemporary and functional. The renovation began with an unexpected structural deficiency in the form of a post located in the middle of the living room that was causing a three-inch dip in the floor. It was removed and replaced with steel columns running down through the walls and into a footing pad with a three-foot depth. The main living spaces underwent significant changes; the kitchen was reconfigured to open up a formerly cramped space, and the removal of a wall made room for a cascading island with Cesarstone countertops—a crowning feature. Additionally, an electrical panel was relocated to be able to wrap the refrigerator with a wood veneer frame. Notable materials include eight-inch-wide ‘Esplanade’ French oak plank floors chosen to complement the reclaimed wood-wrapped ceiling beams, which feature a combination of LED downlighting and uplighting. A sleek gas fireplace with horizontal slate surround and paneled wall backing replaced an old wood-burning stove—furthering the design program. Pacheco-Robb Architects dismantled an existing spiral stair and replaced it with a cable-rail system—a nautical nod—which is noteworthy for the way it meets code; by running a contiguous oak banister for the entire length of the stair, they were able to avoid having to add a second railing, which would shrink the already narrow stairwell. Upstairs, a tight bedroom with gabled ceilings was addressed by adding a solar-operated skylight with built-in shade, plus minimalistic furnishings. Structural changes in the master bedroom included eliminating a closest to widen the room, and reconfiguring a bathroom to fit a small walk-in closet in lieu of a long, thin hallway. The formerly unfinished rooftop deck is now accessed via a six-foot door that opens more than 90 degrees. Azek decking was laid over the rubber roof, and two-inch stanchions were located around the rail’s outer edge. By opening the floor plan and streamlining the aesthetic, the place now breathes.

Part of our "Green Built Room Addition" line of products this is a cathedral room addition that is 14' x 15' in size, has a 9 in 12 roof pitch, oak flooring, Pella windows and doors, 4 large 3' x 6' skylights to allow natural light into the room. Our SIP's panel construction is 58% more energy efficient than traditional framed structures and actually can create a zero energy structure when matched up with our "Solar Panel Program" to capture the suns energy and roll it back into your electrical meter. The roof is R-40, the floor R-30 and the walls R-24 for maximum insulation value. Our "Green Built Room Addition" product is rapidly becoming the future of building.

Some families measure a life well-lived not in possessions, but in moments. Elevé Studios is the physical expression of that conviction. Set within a private equestrian property in Silver Creek in Park City, this 5,000 square foot accessory studio was designed to serve as the experiential heart of the estate. Vitruvius Built was engaged to deliver a structure that is equal parts athlete's retreat, entertainer's sanctuary, and private resort, built to the same precision and permanence as the main residence it supports. The program is unapologetically experiential: a regulation heated pickleball court, a private pilates and yoga studio, a professional golf simulator, and an expansive garage occupy the main volume, while a self-contained ADU provides accommodations for guests or extended family. Each element was specified and constructed to perform at the highest level, because for this family, investing in how you spend time is the only investment that compounds without limit. A 45-kilowatt solar installation with integrated EV charging reflects the same philosophy extended outward. The land that frames this property is part of what makes it extraordinary, and the family's commitment to preserving it is built into the structure itself. Elevé Studios is a testament to what becomes possible when a family knows exactly what it values, and partners with a builder who understands how to make it permanent. Architecture & Interiors: AD Architects

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.