The Liv House
The Liv House, Norwegian for “to live”, is a 1492 square foot home with detached garage designed by and for Architect David Pelletier and his wife. It is strongly influenced by their love of Scandinavian architecture and design. This is the third and final home designed by the couple envisioned to embrace aging in place, health and wellbeing, and their personal dedication to sustainability. Combined with the influence of the natural surroundings of the Pacific Northwest, the house is beautifully nestled on a ridge of a one-acre lot overlooking the Silvana Valley. The design began with orienting the home to take advantage of passive solar sun penetrating the interior in the winter and preventing it in the summer.
The floor plan is efficient, maximizing every inch and aligning with green programs awarding homes under 1,500 SF for their sustainability. This home needed to be small enough to save resources, but also to live large enough to welcome family and friends. The space is centered around a carefully designed kitchen and pantry with access to the abundant vegetable and herb gardens - both developed to support the couples’ passion for an organic, vegan lifestyle.
Designed and built with health and longevity in mind for both the residents and the structure, materials were chosen for their durability and reduced environmental impact. All appliances and plumbing fixtures feature energy and water conservation components, including tankless water heating. Tight wall and foundation insulation helps ensure even internal temperatures. The need for a garage did not interfere with keeping the home environment healthy. They created a detached garage reducing home exposure to harmful chemicals found in all garages storing vehicles as well as paints, cleaners, etc.
The home was built on a concrete slab incorporating gentle and healthy radiant heat. During the winter it maintains a steady temperature at a small expense. During the summer, a large overhang on the southwest side blocks the summer sun and is aided by the cooling effect of the unheated interior concrete slab. Window and door openings strategically located for cross ventilation keep fresh air circulating and improving the indoor air quality. Even on the hottest days, it remains cool without the cost and maintenance of air conditioning.
Another goal for the couple was to make the home accessible and convenient as they age or begin to experience physical limitations. There are no stairs. The concrete floors have no thresholds or change in elevation and doorways are generous. The master shower is wheelchair accessible with a handheld shower option. And a sauna was built into the master bath in support of its health benefits.
Finally, this small home needed to provide space for their collection of books and art. Employing a variety of built-ins, shelves and cabinets meant not having to sacrifice any of their favorite pieces. A sculptural iron-black painted wall running the length of the living space provides a dramatic background that accentuates the colors of their plants and art, while the TV fades into the background.
