The goal with this project was to create a new two-level home that could score as high as possible in the "GreenPoint Rated System". The owners de-constructed their existing home when they realized that any single-story design would completely eliminate their back yard. In respect of the neighbors, a partially-submerged lower level was designed with a pulled-back floor plate to create a light-filled atrium. In conjunction with the mechanical engineer, we designed a net-zero energy home featuring insulated concrete forms, structural insulated panels, high-performance windows, cementitious siding and a solar photovoltaic system sized to cover all the energy usage. The new open and light house offers a connection to nature while maintaining privacy.

Design Team

Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Geoff Campen, and Mason St. Peter Mechanical Engineer: Monterey Energy Group Contractor: Matarozzi / Pelsinger Builders Photography ©2011 Mariko Reed

The owners directed us to design a net-zero energy, two-level home to be a contemporary interpretation of Eichler in style yet keep their single story neighborhood happy. They wanted to maintain their privacy but also wanted a design that was open and light-filled. The solution; directed openness, low profile and net-zero energy.

The site was a cul-de-sac lot not large enough for a single-story home that would fit the needs of the owners, who both work from home. They wanted this to be a long-term residence so we devised an innovative solution for maximizing space. Instead of adding a second story (and annoying the neighbors) they opted for a partially-submerged lower level that which—with a pulled-back floor plate, a light-filled "atrium" and a lower level light well—is far from merely a basement.

To preserve privacy and bring in light while minimizing unwanted solar heat gain and provide connection to nature, the design team oriented a large window wall north to the backyard while sloping the ceiling of the great room up to increase the light and connection to nature. The sloping roof also provided a surface suitable for mounting the 13.4 kW PV system compared to other building faces that have smaller, punched windows that maximize privacy. In conjunction with the Mechanical Engineer, we designed a net-zero energy home featuring insulated concrete forms (ICFs), structural insulated panels (SIPs), high-performance windows, cementitious siding, and an 13.4 kW solar Photovoltaic (PV) system sized to cover all the energy use in the house. The new open and light-filled house offers a connection to nature while maintaining privacy.

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