Search results for "Students actively" in Home Design Ideas

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Inspiration for a transitional dark wood floor and brown floor dining room remodel in Chicago with beige walls
Inspiration for a transitional dark wood floor and brown floor dining room remodel in Chicago with beige walls

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

Ciro Coelho Photography
Example of a trendy concrete patio design in Santa Barbara with a pergola and a fireplace
Example of a trendy concrete patio design in Santa Barbara with a pergola and a fireplace
Find the right local pro for your project

Children’s waiting room interior design project at Princeton University. I was beyond thrilled when contacted by a team of scientists ( psychologists and neurologists ) at Princeton University. This group of professors and graduate students from the Turk-Brown Laboratory are conducting research on the infant’s brain by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (or fMRI), to see how they learn, remember and think. My job was to turn a tiny 7’x10′ windowless study room into an inviting but not too “clinical” waiting room for the mothers or fathers and siblings of the babies being studied.
We needed to ensure a comfortable place for parents to rock and feed their babies while waiting their turn to go back to the laboratory, as well as a place to change the babies if needed. We wanted to stock some shelves with good books and while the room looks complete, we’re still sourcing something interactive to mount to the wall to help entertain toddlers who want something more active than reading or building blocks.
Since there are no windows, I wanted to bring the outdoors inside. Princeton University‘s colors are orange, gray and black and the history behind those colors is very interesting. It seems there are a lot of squirrels on campus and these colors were selected for the three colors of squirrels often seem scampering around the university grounds. The orange squirrels are now extinct, but the gray and black squirrels are abundant, as I found when touring the campus with my son on installation day. Therefore we wanted to reflect this history in the room and decided to paint silhouettes of squirrels in these three colors throughout the room.
While the ceilings are 10′ high in this tiny room, they’re very drab and boring. Given that it’s a drop ceiling, we can’t paint it a fun color as I typically do in my nurseries and kids’ rooms. To distract from the ugly ceiling, I contacted My Custom Creation through their Etsy shop and commissioned them to create a custom butterfly mobile to suspend from the ceiling to create a swath of butterflies moving across the room. Their customer service was impeccable and the end product was exactly what we wanted!
The flooring in the space was simply coated concrete so I decided to use Flor carpet tiles to give it warmth and a grass-like appeal. These tiles are super easy to install and can easily be removed without any residual on the floor. I’ll be using them more often for sure!
See more photos of our commercial interior design job below and contact us if you need a unique space designed for children. We don’t just design nurseries and bedrooms! We’re game for anything!

Children’s waiting room interior design project at Princeton University. I was beyond thrilled when contacted by a team of scientists ( psychologists and neurologists ) at Princeton University. This group of professors and graduate students from the Turk-Brown Laboratory are conducting research on the infant’s brain by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (or fMRI), to see how they learn, remember and think. My job was to turn a tiny 7’x10′ windowless study room into an inviting but not too “clinical” waiting room for the mothers or fathers and siblings of the babies being studied.
We needed to ensure a comfortable place for parents to rock and feed their babies while waiting their turn to go back to the laboratory, as well as a place to change the babies if needed. We wanted to stock some shelves with good books and while the room looks complete, we’re still sourcing something interactive to mount to the wall to help entertain toddlers who want something more active than reading or building blocks.
Since there are no windows, I wanted to bring the outdoors inside. Princeton University‘s colors are orange, gray and black and the history behind those colors is very interesting. It seems there are a lot of squirrels on campus and these colors were selected for the three colors of squirrels often seem scampering around the university grounds. The orange squirrels are now extinct, but the gray and black squirrels are abundant, as I found when touring the campus with my son on installation day. Therefore we wanted to reflect this history in the room and decided to paint silhouettes of squirrels in these three colors throughout the room.
While the ceilings are 10′ high in this tiny room, they’re very drab and boring. Given that it’s a drop ceiling, we can’t paint it a fun color as I typically do in my nurseries and kids’ rooms. To distract from the ugly ceiling, I contacted My Custom Creation through their Etsy shop and commissioned them to create a custom butterfly mobile to suspend from the ceiling to create a swath of butterflies moving across the room. Their customer service was impeccable and the end product was exactly what we wanted!
The flooring in the space was simply coated concrete so I decided to use Flor carpet tiles to give it warmth and a grass-like appeal. These tiles are super easy to install and can easily be removed without any residual on the floor. I’ll be using them more often for sure!
See more photos of our commercial interior design job below and contact us if you need a unique space designed for children. We don’t just design nurseries and bedrooms! We’re game for anything!

In true fairytale fashion, this unfinished room over the garage was transformed to this stunning in-home school room. Built-in desks configured from KraftMaid cabinets provide an individual workspace for the teacher (mom!) and students. The group activity area with table and bench seating serves as an area for arts and crafts. The comfortable sofa is the perfect place to curl up with a book.

Sponsored
Plain City, OH
The Creative Kitchen Company
Columbus Area Kitchen Remodeling and Refacing Professional

"Stunning Hallway Wallpaper Installation in San Marcos – Where First Impressions Flourish!"
Elevate your home’s flow with our expert hallway wallpaper installation services. As San Marcos’ premier wallpaper installer, we specialize in creating durable, eye-catching designs that withstand daily foot traffic while showcasing your unique style.
Why Choose Our San Marcos Hallway Wallpaper Services?
✔ Texas-Tough Materials – High-traffic vinyl and scrubbable finishes
✔ Space-Enhancing Designs – Vertical patterns that lengthen narrow hallways
✔ University-Inspired Styles – Bold school spirit or subtle academic elegance
✔ Quick & Clean Installation – Most projects completed in just 1 day
✔ Free Pattern Scaling Consultations – Ensuring perfect proportions for your space
Popular San Marcos Hallway Styles
? Texas State Pride – Bobcat motifs or river-inspired designs
? Hill Country Natural – Weathered wood & limestone textures
? Modern Southwestern – Geometric patterns with desert tones
? Historic Home Charm – Classic damasks for vintage houses
Exclusive Local Perks
✅ FREE 3D design preview of your hallway
✅ Student & Senior Discounts
✅ Peel-and-stick options for renters
Serving All San Marcos Areas:
Downtown lofts
Blanco River homes
The Retreat student housing
Kissing Tree active adult community
"Ask about our San Marcos River Collection – featuring flowing water patterns inspired by our beautiful waterways!"

"Stunning Hallway Wallpaper Installation in San Marcos – Where First Impressions Flourish!"
Elevate your home’s flow with our expert hallway wallpaper installation services. As San Marcos’ premier wallpaper installer, we specialize in creating durable, eye-catching designs that withstand daily foot traffic while showcasing your unique style.
Why Choose Our San Marcos Hallway Wallpaper Services?
✔ Texas-Tough Materials – High-traffic vinyl and scrubbable finishes
✔ Space-Enhancing Designs – Vertical patterns that lengthen narrow hallways
✔ University-Inspired Styles – Bold school spirit or subtle academic elegance
✔ Quick & Clean Installation – Most projects completed in just 1 day
✔ Free Pattern Scaling Consultations – Ensuring perfect proportions for your space
Popular San Marcos Hallway Styles
? Texas State Pride – Bobcat motifs or river-inspired designs
? Hill Country Natural – Weathered wood & limestone textures
? Modern Southwestern – Geometric patterns with desert tones
? Historic Home Charm – Classic damasks for vintage houses
Exclusive Local Perks
✅ FREE 3D design preview of your hallway
✅ Student & Senior Discounts
✅ Peel-and-stick options for renters
Serving All San Marcos Areas:
Downtown lofts
Blanco River homes
The Retreat student housing
Kissing Tree active adult community
"Ask about our San Marcos River Collection – featuring flowing water patterns inspired by our beautiful waterways!"

The Jason Alba Playpark is designed as an extension of the client's mission statement: To unite the mind, body, and spirit. Students work in specially designed areas (zones) alongside therapists to support individual needs with sensory-seeking and avoiding tendencies.
• Acoustic –Embracing rhythm during vibration and sound therapy can lead to dance: a physical embodiment of emotions created by sound.
• Tactile - Sensory exposure is expressed through different textures, colors, and surface temperatures of materials. A tactile wall and pathway allow students to encounter varying surface conditions, strengthening their ability to react to changing conditions encountered every day.
• Active – Promoting healthy minds through activity: the active zone encourages the use of adaptive and accessible equipment, social engagement through physical activity, and inspires confidence through play.
• Color - Each color evokes different feelings that can calm, soothe, invigorate, and excite.
• Nature - A calming space with a greenhouse and sensory gardens establishes a welcoming environment for therapy sessions. Aromatherapy in the gardens stimulate one’s senses engaging in all aspects of therapy through the selection of safe plant materials.
• Water –Features such as harvesting, cleaning, and reusing rainwater teach sustainability and permeable surfaces facilitate save play.

The Science of Light and Learning
To understand the relationship between lighting and learning, it’s critical to grasp the concept of correlated colour temperature (CCT). CCT refers to the warmth or coolness of light, measured in Kelvin (K). Lower CCTs (around 3000K) provide a warm, cosy atmosphere, while higher CCTs (5000K or above) emit a cool, daylight-like glow. Studies have shown that cool white light, which mimics natural daylight, can increase alertness and mood, contributing to improved cognitive performance. LED lighting, with its ability to produce this desired CCT, makes an ideal choice for educational settings.
LED Lighting: Brightening the Future of Education
Energy Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness
One of the main advantages of LED lighting is its energy efficiency. Traditional lighting solutions like fluorescent and incandescent bulbs consume much more energy to produce the same amount of light as LEDs, which is not only environmentally harmful but also financially costly. Switching to LED lights can result in substantial cost savings for schools, enabling them to redirect funds to other critical areas of education.
Durability and Longevity
LED lights are renowned for their durability and longevity. They have a significantly longer lifespan compared to conventional lights, which means less frequent replacement and reduced maintenance costs. This durability also minimises disruptions caused by light failure, providing a consistent, well-lit learning environment.
Improved Visibility and Reduced Eye Strain
With their superior colour rendering index (CRI), LED lights render colours more accurately, leading to improved visibility. This is particularly beneficial in educational settings, where activities often require distinguishing fine details and colours. LED lights also emit less glare than traditional lighting solutions, reducing eye strain and fatigue. This can lead to better concentration and increased comfort for both students and teachers.
Incorporating LED Lighting in Classrooms: Practical Considerations
When transitioning to LED lighting in classrooms, a few key factors need to be taken into account. Firstly, the lighting design should ensure an even distribution of light, preventing shadowy or overly bright spots that could distract or discomfort students. Secondly, the integration of dimming capabilities can provide flexibility, allowing educators to adjust the lighting level based on the task at hand. Finally, lighting controls can be used to take advantage of natural light, automatically dimming or turning off the LEDs when sufficient daylight is present.
Conclusion: The Bright Promise of LED Lighting in Education
As education systems continue to evolve, it’s imperative to keep sight of the physical factors that significantly impact learning, one of which is lighting. LED technology, with its myriad benefits, offers an innovative and effective way to enhance the quality of lighting in classrooms. By prioritising investments in such improvements, we can take a significant step towards creating an optimised learning environment that nurtures the educational success of future generations.

"Stunning Hallway Wallpaper Installation in San Marcos – Where First Impressions Flourish!"
Elevate your home’s flow with our expert hallway wallpaper installation services. As San Marcos’ premier wallpaper installer, we specialize in creating durable, eye-catching designs that withstand daily foot traffic while showcasing your unique style.
Why Choose Our San Marcos Hallway Wallpaper Services?
✔ Texas-Tough Materials – High-traffic vinyl and scrubbable finishes
✔ Space-Enhancing Designs – Vertical patterns that lengthen narrow hallways
✔ University-Inspired Styles – Bold school spirit or subtle academic elegance
✔ Quick & Clean Installation – Most projects completed in just 1 day
✔ Free Pattern Scaling Consultations – Ensuring perfect proportions for your space
Popular San Marcos Hallway Styles
? Texas State Pride – Bobcat motifs or river-inspired designs
? Hill Country Natural – Weathered wood & limestone textures
? Modern Southwestern – Geometric patterns with desert tones
? Historic Home Charm – Classic damasks for vintage houses
Exclusive Local Perks
✅ FREE 3D design preview of your hallway
✅ Student & Senior Discounts
✅ Peel-and-stick options for renters
Serving All San Marcos Areas:
Downtown lofts
Blanco River homes
The Retreat student housing
Kissing Tree active adult community
"Ask about our San Marcos River Collection – featuring flowing water patterns inspired by our beautiful waterways!"

This sculpture garden was designed as a quiet counterpoint to the energy of the adjacent student union plaza, offering a space of pause within campus life. Influenced by the Asian origins and minimalist qualities of Six Foot Energy Void, Endless Coupling, and The Fountain from the Nelson-Atkins collection, the garden emphasizes simplicity, balance, and spatial clarity. An open circulation strategy allows for intuitive movement and fluid transitions, while carefully framed moments create intimacy and separation from surrounding activity. The result is a contemplative landscape that invites both passage and pause, integrating art into daily student experience without overwhelming it.

Sponsored
Plain City, OH
The Creative Kitchen Company
Columbus Area Kitchen Remodeling and Refacing Professional

This sculpture garden was designed as a quiet counterpoint to the energy of the adjacent student union plaza, offering a space of pause within campus life. Influenced by the Asian origins and minimalist qualities of Six Foot Energy Void, Endless Coupling, and The Fountain from the Nelson-Atkins collection, the garden emphasizes simplicity, balance, and spatial clarity. An open circulation strategy allows for intuitive movement and fluid transitions, while carefully framed moments create intimacy and separation from surrounding activity. The result is a contemplative landscape that invites both passage and pause, integrating art into daily student experience without overwhelming it.

"Stunning Hallway Wallpaper Installation in San Marcos – Where First Impressions Flourish!"
Elevate your home’s flow with our expert hallway wallpaper installation services. As San Marcos’ premier wallpaper installer, we specialize in creating durable, eye-catching designs that withstand daily foot traffic while showcasing your unique style.
Why Choose Our San Marcos Hallway Wallpaper Services?
✔ Texas-Tough Materials – High-traffic vinyl and scrubbable finishes
✔ Space-Enhancing Designs – Vertical patterns that lengthen narrow hallways
✔ University-Inspired Styles – Bold school spirit or subtle academic elegance
✔ Quick & Clean Installation – Most projects completed in just 1 day
✔ Free Pattern Scaling Consultations – Ensuring perfect proportions for your space
Popular San Marcos Hallway Styles
? Texas State Pride – Bobcat motifs or river-inspired designs
? Hill Country Natural – Weathered wood & limestone textures
? Modern Southwestern – Geometric patterns with desert tones
? Historic Home Charm – Classic damasks for vintage houses
Exclusive Local Perks
✅ FREE 3D design preview of your hallway
✅ Student & Senior Discounts
✅ Peel-and-stick options for renters
Serving All San Marcos Areas:
Downtown lofts
Blanco River homes
The Retreat student housing
Kissing Tree active adult community
"Ask about our San Marcos River Collection – featuring flowing water patterns inspired by our beautiful waterways!"

This sculpture garden was designed as a quiet counterpoint to the energy of the adjacent student union plaza, offering a space of pause within campus life. Influenced by the Asian origins and minimalist qualities of Six Foot Energy Void, Endless Coupling, and The Fountain from the Nelson-Atkins collection, the garden emphasizes simplicity, balance, and spatial clarity. An open circulation strategy allows for intuitive movement and fluid transitions, while carefully framed moments create intimacy and separation from surrounding activity. The result is a contemplative landscape that invites both passage and pause, integrating art into daily student experience without overwhelming it.

Energy Efficiency:
Every effort has been utilized to reduce and minimize energy use through an effective strategy of both passive heating and cooling, as well as state-of-the-art active solar thermal and photovoltaic on site off-grid energy production. Optimal solar orientation with an attached thermal mass food production greenhouse on the Lower Floor enables hot air to be introduced into the house during the winter, and rise via. a thermal chimney “stack effect” and distributed throughout the house. In the summer the same thermal chimney is used to channel hot air to rise up to the Upper Loft vegetated Roof Terrace, where it is exhausted. This condition provides a positive air pressure in the Winter, and a negative pressure in the summer, drawing in cooler outside air from every open window. In addition carefully proportioned roof eave overhangs provide deep passive solar gain and additional day lighting in the winter, and cooling shade in the summer.
Active mechanical systems include solar thermal which produces domestic hot water and is integrated into hydronic radiant heated floors. This is supplemented with a multi-split heatpump, on demand backup hot water, and an ERV, which collectively provide active heating, cooling, dehumidification, and healthful indoor air quality. The entire house and detached Barn are off-grid with a 14.4 kW solar array, whole-house batteries, and backup generator. Further, the home is super insulated and extremely tight with high energy performing windows and doors and LED lighting throughout, and even a high efficiency woodstove.
Integrated Design:
From the beginning and throughout construction, this home demonstrates a close collaboration between the Architect, Contractor, and Owners. Healthful materials and finishes standards, autonomy and energy efficiency, and environmental impact and sustainability were primary goals and stressed throughout. Careful attention was paid to finishes which will require minimal long term maintenance such as the galvalume metal roof (which also provides for rainwater harvesting) and fiber cement siding for longevity.
Resource Efficiency / Conservation:
Resource conservation began with Schematic Design which utilizes a 2 ft. grid of modular components, thereby optimizing construction efficiency and minimizing on site waste. The site was cleared with the trees stockpiled for future lumber harvesting and firewood. The foundation walls are “Ideal Walls” which use less than half the concrete of a conventional poured wall or block, and do not require extensive concrete footings, exterior insulation, or waterproofing. These panels are prefabricated off site and set in only a few days, which further reduces on site impact and construction lead time.
Resiliency:
Respect for climate change and mitigating its impact were primary considerations in the design and selection of materials and systems. The home is sited high on a south facing slope as protection from high water or flood and to optimize both passive and active solar opportunity. With remarkably tight construction and super insulation the interior is buffered from both outdoor heat and cold extremes. The metal roof and fiber cement siding are fireproof and resistant to the impact of high winds. And these materials are specified for minimal maintenance and longevity. Further, the attached Greenhouse and Upper Roof Terrace is landscaped and suitable for a vegetable garden with abundant sunshine, easy to water, and with no need for fencing to keep deer at bay. All this being a notable case study for Regenerative Design.
Innovation:
This home exemplifies Biophilic Design principles to facilitate symbiotic living in harmony with Nature. This incorporates careful attention to natural day lighting, indoor air quality, rainwater catchment and wastewater reclamation, garden food production with vegetated roofs, the home hearth and fire, and connected interaction with the weather and the surrounding natural ecosystems.
Community Impact:
This EcoHome project has already been presented at several Sustainable Building lectures as a model case study for “Green Building”, including USGBC at Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Plans are underway for an Open House tour for area Architects and students.

Sponsored
Plain City, OH
The Creative Kitchen Company
Columbus Area Kitchen Remodeling and Refacing Professional

"Stunning Hallway Wallpaper Installation in San Marcos – Where First Impressions Flourish!"
Elevate your home’s flow with our expert hallway wallpaper installation services. As San Marcos’ premier wallpaper installer, we specialize in creating durable, eye-catching designs that withstand daily foot traffic while showcasing your unique style.
Why Choose Our San Marcos Hallway Wallpaper Services?
✔ Texas-Tough Materials – High-traffic vinyl and scrubbable finishes
✔ Space-Enhancing Designs – Vertical patterns that lengthen narrow hallways
✔ University-Inspired Styles – Bold school spirit or subtle academic elegance
✔ Quick & Clean Installation – Most projects completed in just 1 day
✔ Free Pattern Scaling Consultations – Ensuring perfect proportions for your space
Popular San Marcos Hallway Styles
? Texas State Pride – Bobcat motifs or river-inspired designs
? Hill Country Natural – Weathered wood & limestone textures
? Modern Southwestern – Geometric patterns with desert tones
? Historic Home Charm – Classic damasks for vintage houses
Exclusive Local Perks
✅ FREE 3D design preview of your hallway
✅ Student & Senior Discounts
✅ Peel-and-stick options for renters
Serving All San Marcos Areas:
Downtown lofts
Blanco River homes
The Retreat student housing
Kissing Tree active adult community
"Ask about our San Marcos River Collection – featuring flowing water patterns inspired by our beautiful waterways!"

Energy Efficiency:
Every effort has been utilized to reduce and minimize energy use through an effective strategy of both passive heating and cooling, as well as state-of-the-art active solar thermal and photovoltaic on site off-grid energy production. Optimal solar orientation with an attached thermal mass food production greenhouse on the Lower Floor enables hot air to be introduced into the house during the winter, and rise via. a thermal chimney “stack effect” and distributed throughout the house. In the summer the same thermal chimney is used to channel hot air to rise up to the Upper Loft vegetated Roof Terrace, where it is exhausted. This condition provides a positive air pressure in the Winter, and a negative pressure in the summer, drawing in cooler outside air from every open window. In addition carefully proportioned roof eave overhangs provide deep passive solar gain and additional day lighting in the winter, and cooling shade in the summer.
Active mechanical systems include solar thermal which produces domestic hot water and is integrated into hydronic radiant heated floors. This is supplemented with a multi-split heatpump, on demand backup hot water, and an ERV, which collectively provide active heating, cooling, dehumidification, and healthful indoor air quality. The entire house and detached Barn are off-grid with a 14.4 kW solar array, whole-house batteries, and backup generator. Further, the home is super insulated and extremely tight with high energy performing windows and doors and LED lighting throughout, and even a high efficiency woodstove.
Integrated Design:
From the beginning and throughout construction, this home demonstrates a close collaboration between the Architect, Contractor, and Owners. Healthful materials and finishes standards, autonomy and energy efficiency, and environmental impact and sustainability were primary goals and stressed throughout. Careful attention was paid to finishes which will require minimal long term maintenance such as the galvalume metal roof (which also provides for rainwater harvesting) and fiber cement siding for longevity.
Resource Efficiency / Conservation:
Resource conservation began with Schematic Design which utilizes a 2 ft. grid of modular components, thereby optimizing construction efficiency and minimizing on site waste. The site was cleared with the trees stockpiled for future lumber harvesting and firewood. The foundation walls are “Ideal Walls” which use less than half the concrete of a conventional poured wall or block, and do not require extensive concrete footings, exterior insulation, or waterproofing. These panels are prefabricated off site and set in only a few days, which further reduces on site impact and construction lead time.
Resiliency:
Respect for climate change and mitigating its impact were primary considerations in the design and selection of materials and systems. The home is sited high on a south facing slope as protection from high water or flood and to optimize both passive and active solar opportunity. With remarkably tight construction and super insulation the interior is buffered from both outdoor heat and cold extremes. The metal roof and fiber cement siding are fireproof and resistant to the impact of high winds. And these materials are specified for minimal maintenance and longevity. Further, the attached Greenhouse and Upper Roof Terrace is landscaped and suitable for a vegetable garden with abundant sunshine, easy to water, and with no need for fencing to keep deer at bay. All this being a notable case study for Regenerative Design.
Innovation:
This home exemplifies Biophilic Design principles to facilitate symbiotic living in harmony with Nature. This incorporates careful attention to natural day lighting, indoor air quality, rainwater catchment and wastewater reclamation, garden food production with vegetated roofs, the home hearth and fire, and connected interaction with the weather and the surrounding natural ecosystems.
Community Impact:
This EcoHome project has already been presented at several Sustainable Building lectures as a model case study for “Green Building”, including USGBC at Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Plans are underway for an Open House tour for area Architects and students.

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