This concept home was developed as an experiment in design and construction techniques of environmentally friendly housing.

 

The plan is rationally laid out in a square, with four poured concrete corners and a concrete north wall. The infill of the corner concrete masses are glass doors and windows, spilling out to patios of concrete and flagstone, bounded by stone retaining walls. The patios spill out from the interior on the east, south and west sides of the house; allowing occupants to have a variety of outdoor experiences, depending on the time of day.

 

Insulation details were developed to allow for exposed concrete on the interior side of the exterior walls. The walls are topped with a frame of exposed laminated wood beams, decked with tongue and groove wood. The laminated wood elements are supported by four exposed concrete columns, which also support the second story loft. The visual and physical contrast of the wood and concrete engages the materials in conversation that heightens the perception of each. Strategic skylights are placed on the south and west roof planes, topped by a custom eight-foot pyramid-shaped skylight. Heating and cooling is achieved through the use of geothermal technology.