A Bright Yellow Reading Nook Steals the Show in This Energy-Efficient Portland Abode
When clients approached Portland–based In Situ Architecture to construct a new dwelling for their small family, they had several requests. Not only were they looking to build a property with enough space to accommodate frequent visits from in-laws, they were also looking to create an eco-friendly, non-toxic home that would be extremely energy efficient.
The home is a unique response to a standard 50’ x 100’ infill lot. Rather than a typical full-width house with a front and backyard, the architects have designed a long and narrow floor plan to create a sunny south façade. The house presents its very narrow end with a cantilevered balcony and front porch to the street, allowing it to visually recede. The long, built-in planter separates the porch from the street and creates an additional layer of privacy. Built Photo
"Although certification wasn’t their initial goal, Passivhaus provided the perfect benchmark to ensure that the home would satisfy expectations," explains Jeff Stern, the principle of In Situ Architecture, a firm known for their energy-efficient systems.
Designed to meet the Passivhaus standard (yet not certified), the resulting 2,700-square-foot home—also known as the 18th Avenue House—features airtight construction, while employing continuous exterior insulation. It houses high-performing triple glazed windows, as well as a super-efficient heat recovery ventilator to maintain comfortable temperatures and healthy indoor air quality.
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The clients' desire of a modern house that fit comfortably into the neighborhood was definitely met. A simple flat roof with a surrounding parapet keeps the height below the other two-story houses in the neighborhood. The simple exterior palette of stained cedar siding and Larch windows were all designed to allow the house to age gracefully over time.
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: In Situ Architecture, Jeff Stern
Builder/General Contractor: JRA Green Building, Inc, James Arnold
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