Collection by Diana Budds

A Modern Energy-Efficient House in Los Altos

Calling upon midcentury modern archetypes, Curt Cline of Modern House Architects designed a residence in Los Altos, California, built with Passive House principles in mind.

Cline incorporated a number of green features into the design including a super-insulated envelope, ultra-efficient heat pump, and skylights for natural daylighting. "It approaches standards," he says. Pavers lead to the front door.
Cline incorporated a number of green features into the design including a super-insulated envelope, ultra-efficient heat pump, and skylights for natural daylighting. "It approaches standards," he says. Pavers lead to the front door.
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls help the house connect to the landscape and also offer a material contrast to the oak floors and concrete.
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls help the house connect to the landscape and also offer a material contrast to the oak floors and concrete.
A frosted-glass partition separates the living spaces.
A frosted-glass partition separates the living spaces.
The interior finishes mirror the exterior.
The interior finishes mirror the exterior.
A natural daylight shines down the partition, imparting an ethereal glow.
A natural daylight shines down the partition, imparting an ethereal glow.
Here's the rear of the residence.
Here's the rear of the residence.