Project Green Home

The house features an electric based Altherma air-to-water heat pump that feeds a hydronic heating system, and an induction range, both powered by PV panels on the roof.

While temperatures in Palo Alto often allow windows to be opened, a heat-recovery ventilator (HRC) provides fresh air when temperatures outside are extreme.

The loft provides increased daylight to below, and great passive ventilation by way of mechanically operated skylights that allow heat to escape from much of the house.

While the individual rooms are relatively small, they open to each other in plan or section, to create flexible generous spaces with balanced daylight.

The simple two story gabled form varies across its length, most prominently in a play loft that opens to the living space below.

The most significant innovation is in the building envelope - 2x8 framing with sprayed cellulose insulation, plus an additional exterior wrap of rigid insulation and R-5 German-made Sorpetaler windows define the wall, while the thermal-mass slab floors are well insulated with 4 inches of rigid, wrapping to 2 inches at the stem walls.

The tall gable provides attic space above teh guest room, and play lofts above the kid's bedrooms.